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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are
prevalent and important health problems for reproductive health
client populations, and they are a significant cause of morbidity
and mortality, a major cause of infertility, and a facilitator of
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission.
STIs also have implications for family planning methods, such as the
potential for discontinuation of any contraceptive method due to
incorrect attribution of STI/RTI symptoms to the method.
Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of STIs, including HIV/AIDS,
and other reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are key areas of
activity for clinics moving from a family planning focus to a
broader reproductive health approach.
Health care providers can play a key role in reducing the
transmission of STIs by providing prevention counseling and
education, screening, referral for STI services, and in some
settings, diagnosis and treatment.
Integration of STI/HIV prevention and services within family
planning and reproductive health not only meets a concrete, specific
need of clients, but it can also serve as a good starting point for
shifting services toward a broader reproductive health approach.
Addressing STIs and HIV can compel providers to address clients’
concerns related to sexuality, an issue often avoided within family
planning services, thus better meeting clients’ needs and
improving the quality of the overall care.
This course is designed for reproductive health and other health
care providers, particularly in resource-poor settings, who are
interested in learning "the basics" of STIs/RTIs
prevention, management, and counseling
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