Content area
Full Text
Summary
This article discusses the UK's most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection, Chlamydia. It outlines the nurse's role in diagnosis, treatment and health promotion, including encouraging condom use, medications, partner notification and emphasising the importance of avoiding sexual intercourse until drug therapy is completed and any symptoms have gone.
Keywords
Chlamydia; Sexual health; Sexually transmitted infections
These keywords are based on the subject headings from the British Nursing Index. This article has been subject to double-blind review. For related articles and author guidelines visit our online archive at www.nursing-standard.co.uk and search using the keywords.
Aims and intended learning outcomes
This article discusses the increasing rates of Chlamydia infection in the UK and aims to outline the role nurses from all fields of practice can play in helping to reduce the complications associated with this infection through early diagnosis and treatment. Chlamydia affects men and women so testing is important to both sexes. The importance of opportunistic testing for Chlamydia in different settings is discussed, possible venues for testing are suggested and implications for practice detailed.
The government's policies for the future of sexual health in the UK are discussed, particularly the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (Department of Health (DH) 2001). Implications of the rise in chlamydial infection are suggested and possible solutions and changes that will influence practice are recommended. After reading this article you should be able to:
* Describe how Chlamydia is transmitted.
* Identify signs and symptoms associated with a Chlamydia infection.
* Describe the investigations used in the diagnosis of Chlamydia.
* Outline the importance of opportunistic screening for Chlamydia in the UK.
* Discuss the importance of condom use in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
* Explain the importance of partner notification following a positive Chlamydia diagnosis.
Introduction
In recent years, there has been an increase in awareness of STIs and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Rising infection rates, the HIV epidemic in the early 1980s and increased risk-taking behaviour have led to increased awareness among healthcare professionals and the general population (DH 2001). The Health of the Nation (DH 1992) examined five key areas of health, one of which was sexual health. It looked at bringing together all elements of sexual health:...