Free Module 10 · STIs and Urology

STI prevention

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

1

Introduction

Learning objectives
  • Know the combined strategies for STI prevention.
  • Understand the importance of a nonjudgmental consultation for a complete sexual history.
  • Recognize the consequences of an incomplete history due to the physician's discomfort.
2

Video lesson

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Video pending upload (embedded YouTube)
3

Summary

Prevention combines different strategies:

  • sexual education;
  • condoms;
  • early diagnosis;
  • appropriate treatment;
  • partner evaluation when appropriate;
  • HPV vaccination;
  • hepatitis B vaccination;
  • HIV PrEP for people with an indication;
  • PEP after certain exposures;
  • periodic screening according to practices and risk.

A nonjudgmental consultation

The physician must create a space in which the patient can talk about sexuality without fear of being judged.

An incomplete history due to the physician's discomfort can lead to:

  • incorrect diagnoses;
  • insufficient testing;
  • missed preventive opportunities.
4

PDF

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5

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.

6

Clinical case

Content pending upload Progressive clinical case focused on decision-making.
7

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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