Associate professor of medicine, Dr. Hilary Reno, is a co-author of the recently released Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021 (cdc.gov). The guidelines provide current evidence-based prevention, diagnostic and treatment recommendations that replace the 2015 guidance. Although the new guidelines emphasize treatment, prevention strategies and diagnostic recommendations are also discussed.
CDC’s Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Treatment Guidelines, 2021 recommendations are intended to be a source for clinical guidance. Healthcare providers should always assess patients based on their clinical circumstances and local burden. Workowski KA, Bachmann L, Chan P, Johnston C, Muzny C, Park I, Reno H, Zenilman J, Bolan, G. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep 2021:70(No. RR-04):1-187.
The 2021 STI Treatment Guidelines will be discussed in four national webinars in September 2021 produced by the National Network of Prevention Training Centers (About | NNPTC). Dr. Reno, Medical Director of the St. Louis STI/ HIV Prevention Training Center, and Dr. Joseph Cherabie, Associate Medical Director of the St. Louis PTC, will present on the treatment guidelines during these webinars. Registration is free and available here: Denver National | Upcoming Classes | (nnptc.org)
Dr. Reno is also the lead author of the new document, A Guide to Taking a Sexual History (cdc.gov). This guide offers a framework for discussing sexual health issues to help complete the overall picture of a patient’s health. Sexual health can greatly impact overall quality of life. The health impacts of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can range from irritating to life-threatening. Discussing a person’s sexual health offers the opportunity for counseling and sharing information about testing and prevention methods.
The new guide is paradigm shifting as it encourages taking a sexual history with gender affirming and sex positive language while considering the person’s history of trauma and stigma. The guide is meant to provide health care professionals an introduction to performing an adequate sexual history that is taylored for individual people and more patient centered including discussion points and questions that may be asked during a sexual history.