Sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) constitute a diverse group of infectious diseases with a wide array of associated pathogens and varied clinical manifestations. STDs are among the most common urogenital conditions encountered in the emergency department. The emergency physician must have a high index of suspicion for STDs and a low threshold for initiating empiric therapy based on the patient's signs and symptoms. This article will review the most commonly encountered STDs with an emphasis on clinical presentation, diagnosis, and pharmacotherapy.