Personal protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Abstract

Primary prevention of sexually transmitted diseases has received little emphasis in control programs. To evaluate the effectiveness of prevention strategies, we reviewed the world's literature on this topic. Use of condoms and spermicides greatly reduces the risk of gonorrhea, and barrier methods are practical and acceptable. Certain systemic antibiotics are effective, but for practical reasons, their use cannot be recommended. Washing or urinating after sexual exposure does not appear to protect against infection. Although the effectiveness of modifying sexual behavior to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases has not been evaluated, many people have changed or are willing to change their behavior. Even if preventive measures are used consistently by only a minority of persons at risk, rates of sexually transmitted diseases would decline rapidly. In this era of sexually transmitted diseases that are not readily cured by antibiotics, use of effective preventive measures should be strongly encouraged.

• Authors: K M Stone, D A Grimes, L S Magder
• Journal: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology (Am J Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 155 Issue 1 Pg. 180-8 (Jul 1986) ISSN: 0002-9378 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3524240 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Contraceptive Agents
• Spermatocidal Agents

Topics

• Anti-Bacterial Agents (administration & dosage)
• Attitude
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Contraceptive Agents
• Contraceptive Devices, Female
• Contraceptive Devices, Male
• Female
• Gonorrhea (prevention & control)
• Humans
• Male
• Military Personnel
• Sexual Behavior
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (prevention & control)
• Spermatocidal Agents