Bernice Kane

Date of Award

5-2014

Document Type

Independent Study

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

Contraceptive counseling is a common issue for today's health care clinicians. An important aspect of a thorough contraceptive counseling visit includes sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk history and screening. Chlamydia is the most common STI and it is especially problematic among women under the age of 25. Untreated infections, which are often asymptomatic, can result in serious complications such a pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Clinicians have a unique opportunity and responsibility to assist in the prevention of STI. Stressing responsible behavior and providing the necessary education, support, and resources are important aspects of primary prevention. Identifying risk factors and prompt screening and treatment of infections is a mode to secondary prevention. This is in alliance with the United States Healthy People 2020 goals that include improved pregnancy planning and spacing; prevention of unintended pregnancy; promotion of healthy sexual behaviors; and increased access to quality services to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and their complications (United States Department of I-Health and Human Services, 2013 ).

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