Free Module 10 · STIs and Urology

Management of sexual partners

Author and medical review: Dr. Leonardo Romeo, urologist (physician) · Last updated:

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Introduction

Learning objectives
  • Understand that for certain STIs, treating only the patient who consults is not enough.
  • Know the general measures that management of sexual partners may require.
  • Recognize the risk of reinfection when a partner remains infected.
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Video lesson

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Video pending upload (embedded YouTube)
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Summary

This concept should be taught from medical school.

For certain STIs, treating only the patient who consults is not enough.

Depending on the infection, it may be necessary to:

  • inform sexual partners;
  • evaluate and test;
  • treat;
  • temporary abstinence from sexual intercourse;
  • use barrier methods;
  • repeat tests when indicated.

Specific management depends on the diagnosed infection and current recommendations.

Reinfection

A correctly treated patient can become reinfected if a sexual partner remains infected or if there is a new exposure.

Key concept

With STIs we must think in terms of patient + partner(s) + chain of transmission.

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PDF

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Practical algorithm

  1. Urethral discharge + dysuria → think of urethritis → gonococcus/Chlamydia among the main causes.
  2. Painless genital ulcer → consider syphilis.
  3. Painful vesicles or ulcers → consider genital herpes.
  4. Anogenital warts → consider HPV/condylomata.
  5. Epididymal pain in a sexually active patient → consider STIs depending on age and context, but rule out torsion in an acute scrotum.
  6. Diagnosis of an STI → consider testing for other STIs + partner management + prevention.
  7. Recent high-risk HIV exposure → promptly assess the indication for PEP.

An STI is not managed only by treating the patient. The approach includes correct diagnosis, screening for coinfections when appropriate, partner management and prevention of further transmission.

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Clinical case

Content pending upload Progressive clinical case focused on decision-making.
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Self-assessment

Questions pending upload 5–10 multiple-choice questions on this lesson.
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References

Links pending upload References to PubMed, DOI, scientific society guidelines and journals.

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