Lower genital tract infections and HIV in women

Abstract

Lower genital tract infections and HIV are major causes of morbidity and mortality among women; thier impact on the US economy amounts to several billion dollars each year. Most lower genital tract infections--and their adverse sequelae, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, and increased susceptibility to HIV--are caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This article reviews recent epidemiologic information relevant to some of the STDs that more commonly affect women, and recent advances in molecular biology, diagnostics, and treatments. Effective, consistent, and proper use of barrier contraception should be encouraged, to decrease the transmission of these infections.

Monthly Antibiotic Chemoprophylaxis and Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV-1 Infection in Kenyan Sex Workers

“…There is no doubt that STI prevention is a laudable outcome in and of itself, since untreated bacterial STIs may be associated with severe health outcomes such as ectopic pregnancy, sterility, and chronic pelvic pain. 28 However, recent community-based trials examining prevention of bacterial STIs as a means to prevent HIV-1 have given conflicting results. [8][9][10] The rationale underlying the current study was that an FSW population, in which both STIs and HIV-1 are very prevalent, would be an ideal one in which to address this issue.…”