The rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have risen dramatically in the United States, accelerated by multiple care interruptions in prevention and care services during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were documented in 2021, including a significant increase of treatment-resistant infections. These developments have led to updated guidelines in the treatment of STIs and new recommendations regarding screening for at-risk groups. In addition to screening and treatment updates, there is new evidence and debate around novel methods of STI prevention. New developments in the use of antibiotics for bacterial STI prevention are gaining traction, as are new modalities for the provision of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). These innovative approaches, while promising, are also not without controversy, and have yet to be widely adopted across the country.
In the setting of rising infections and new developments in treatment and prevention, general internists must know the most updated information on the prevention and treatment of STIs in order to bend this curve.
Learning Objectives
- Articulate the incidence and disparate impact of common STIs in the United States over the last 3 years
- Cite evidence demonstrating new approaches to the treatment and prevention of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis
- Identify barriers to implementation of new modalities of prevention for STIs, including HIV and common bacterial infections
Expiration:Â June 1, 2026
To receive CME credit only, you must (1) watch the entire presentation, then (2) click the Certificate item to claim your certificate (print/save for your records).
To receive CME and MOC credit, you must (1) watch the entire presentation, (2) complete the brief MOC Assessment survey, and then (3) click the Certificate item to claim your certificate (print/save for your records).
- Jeremy Snyder, MD, AAHIVS
University of New Mexico School of Medicine - Brian Hilgeman, MD, AAHIVS, FACP
Medical College of Wisconsin - Christopher Terndrup, MD
Vanderbilt University Medical Center - Amy Kennedy, MD, MS, AAHIVS
University of Washington School of Medicine - Rebecca Glassman, MD
Westchester Medical Center
