Prophylactic Empiric Treatment for Females with New Sexual Partner Concerns for STDs

Prevention Strategies

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing many STDs, including HIV infection 2
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that female condoms should be considered when male condoms cannot be used appropriately 1
Condom failure usually results from inconsistent or incorrect use rather than breakage, with a rate of about 2 per 100 condoms 3

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that sexually active adolescent women should be screened for chlamydial infection at least annually, even without symptoms 4
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual screening for all sexually active women aged 20-25 years 4
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that older women with risk factors, such as a new sex partner or multiple partners, should also be screened 4
Testing should include screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis 5
Women should also be screened for trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis when possible 5

Empiric treatment should only be considered if the prevalence of infections is high in the patient population, and the patient might be difficult to locate for treatment follow-up 6

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that sexual partners should be notified, examined, and treated for the identified or suspected STD 6
Both patient and partners should abstain from sexual intercourse until therapy is completed, typically 7 days after a single-dose regimen 6
Partner notification is essential to prevent reinfection and further transmission 6

Patients should be counseled that nonbarrier contraceptive methods offer no protection against STDs 1
The most effective way to prevent sexual transmission of STDs is to avoid sexual intercourse with an infected partner 8

If symptoms develop despite preventive measures, immediate evaluation is recommended 7
Follow-up testing may be necessary depending on the specific STD concerns and risk factors 5
Annual screening should continue for women under 25 or those with ongoing risk factors 4