Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), previously known as sexually transmitted diseases, involve the transmission of an organism between sexual partners through different routes of sexual contact, either oral, anal, or vaginal. STIs become a concern and burden on healthcare systems, as many infections go untreated and lead to potentially serious complications. The natural history and patterns of spread of the most common sexually transmitted infections are discussed as well as disease prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.