Management of sexually transmitted infections in non-specialist settings: practical issues

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, remain on the increase in the UK. Settings other than traditional Genito-Urinary Medicine clinics are beginning to deal with some STIs more and more, either as a commissioned service or simply in terms of pragmatic management. New technologies are resulting in less invasive investigative techniques for some STIs, but the validity of a test must always be borne in mind. The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) has published national standards for the management of STIs across all healthcare settings. HIV testing should be undertaken in cases of clinical suspicion.