Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases in women.

The frequency and severity of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and their sequelae, including sterility, numerous perinatal infections, genital tract neoplasia and possibly death (from ectopic pregnancy, ruptured tuboovarian abscess, human immunodeficiency virus-1 and hepatitis B virus infection), should be acknowledged by all sexually active individuals. Aspects of sexuality that place individuals at risk of STDs must be reexamined. Health care providers must effectively inform patients and the public of these often-ill-appreciated risks in a straightforward fashion, free of judgmental and punitive attitudes. New, more-effective means of prevention, diagnosis and treatment are being sought using research techniques in microbiology, immunology and behavioral science. In the meantime, medical screening, treatment and contact tracing should be carried out for patients and their sexual partners. Sexually active individuals must be empowered with knowledge and emboldened to protect themselves and their established or potential families from these common infections. Existing means of screening and treating must be utilized fully.