Destigmatizing genitourinary medicine and sexually transmitted infections in the UK

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the clinics patients attend for STI management remain stigmatized. Although emphasizing sexual intercourse rather than sexual behaviour as an important factor in STI acquisition may help to destigmatize STIs, this will require a change in the national mindset. A different approach entails destigmatizing genitourinary (GU) medicine/sexual health thereby normalizing the conditions managed in these settings. This may be helped by emphasizing the non-STI-related aspect of GU medicine and by considering a change in terminology that removes the focus from STIs and attempts to absorb the term into the broader category of genital infection.

Genitourinary medicine beyond sexually transmitted infections

“…1 The document reminds me Letters to the Editor of the address that Dr W Harris gave, as the out-going president of the then Medical Society for the Study of Venereal Diseases, on areas of extending the sphere of GU medicine as a medical discipline. He projected a sketch of three circles representing dermatology, urology and gynaecology; with the three circles meeting within the central sphere of GU medicine.…”

“…Sirs: I concur with the C Sonnex report and sentiment regarding 'De-stigmatizing genitourinary (GU) medicine and sexually transmitted infections in the UK'. 1 The document reminds me Figure 1 The cell in the centre of the monolayer is infected with chlamydia. The large 'inclusion' appears to drape off the nucleus.…”

“…1 At the Sexual Health and HIV clinic at South Manchester, all patients are required to self-complete a short questionnaire prior to registering containing basic demographic details as well as treatment of any previous sexually transmitted infection (STI). Having noticed extreme variations in the spelling of 'Chlamydia', we sought to investigate this more closely.…”

“…According to the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV guidelines patients being treated for a chlamydial infection should be given a detailed explanation of their condition reinforced by clear and accurate written information. 1 At the Sexual Health and HIV clinic at South Manchester, all patients are required to self-complete a short questionnaire prior to registering containing basic demographic details as well as treatment of any previous sexually transmitted infection (STI). Having noticed extreme variations in the spelling of 'Chlamydia', we sought to investigate this more closely.…”