The following text and the attached algorithms provide a guideline for signs, symptoms, and treatment of the most common STDs as well as an outline for the diagnosis of the most common STD syndromes. Additional tests add little to the diagnosis except expense and delay. All STD patients must be interviewed to obtain epidemiological information on sexual contacts to ensure appropriate contact tracing. Local preventive medicine personnel can provide guidance. A leukocyte esterase positive result is typically seen on the first morning, voided urine.
Symptomatic individuals have a mucopurulent discharge from the urethra or cervix.
Sexually active females in their teens and twenties should be screened during their annual exam. Place this sample in the appropriate media. Symptomatic patients have purulent discharge from the urethra or cervix. A high frequency of co-infection can occur with chlamydia. When gonorrhea is diagnosed, treat the patient for gonorrhea and chlamydia simultaneously.