Diagnosis
Represents a variety of illnesses, organisms, and syndromes: Urethritis, cervicitis, vaginitis, epididymitis, PID, pharyngitis, proctitis are the common ones.
When testing one orifice, remember to test them all (PubMed).
Epidemiologic Risks
Sex, I suppose, although being a widower (male) increases the risk for an STD in the first year after the wife's death, especially if they ask for a Viagra prescription. Go figure.
The more aggressive the patient is at pubic hair grooming and shaving, the greater the risk of STI (PubMed).
Microbiology
C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhea, HSV, Treponema pallidum (aka syphilis) are the big 4 although at least 27 different viruses can be found in semen (PubMed).
Empiric Therapy
It depends on the infection of which you are concerned. Follow the CDC 2015 guidelines.
Pearls
Resistance, especially with N. gonorrhea, keeps the treatments changing; always look up the most current recommendations.
Last Update: 02/10/19.