Male urethritis in King County, Washington, 1974-75: II. Diagnosis and treatment.

Methods of diagnosing and treating male urethritis in King County. Washington in 1974-1975 were examined by a retrospective postal survey, records review, and prospective surveillance. A Gram-stained smear of urethral discharge was used by 86 per cent of private physicians and urethral culture by 56 per cent. Only 5 per cent made a diagnosis without laboratory aid. U.S. Public thealth Service gonorrhea treatment regimens were used by 54-81 per cent of private physicians. Over 90 per cent of physicians not in private practice (emergency room and housestaff) used smear, cultures, and recommended treatment regimens. The Gram-stained smear appeared to be under-utilized and the urethral culture overutilized. There is a significant need for physician education regarding recommended treatment for male gonorrhea.