Sexually Transmitted Infections
Strategies to educate and treat a patient with high risk behaviors for STI’s
First, it is very important for the patient to understand the meaning of sexually transmitted infections. Explaining to the patient that they are infections transmitted through sexual contact, especially in unprotected sex is very vital (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2017). Explain also the dangers of having STI to the patient. This will help him/her understand the conditions well. Teaching about various ways that the infections can be transmitted by a person who having the infection can be helpful for them to protect themselves from contracting or even transmitting to others.
Providing information on the on the causes also improves the knowledge of the patient concerning the conditions. Teach the client on the viral and also bacterial causes. It is also necessary to teach the client about the risk factors for the infections and ways they can reduce their risk of getting (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2017). This will help the patient be in a better place to protect himself/herself and avoid risk factors. Inform them about the most common sexually transmitted infection to improve the patient knowledge. Teach also the patient concerning the available treatment for the various STI’s.
The pathophysiological process and the consequences of patients with untreated HIV
In the case where a patient does not receive treatment. The condition progresses slowly and the defense mechanism of the individual is overpowered (Bhatti, Usman & Kandi, 2016). The condition mainly attacks the immune system, mainly the CD4 cells. As the immune system and defense mechanism overpowered, there is entry of opportunistic diseases and cancers, which is normally rare for a healthy individual (Bhatti, Usman & Kandi, 2016). HIV causes a decrease in the CD4 cell count in the peripheral blood causing decrease in activation of the humoral immune system together with the cell-mediated immunity. If no treatment is administered, depletion of the CD4 cells continues until the patients succumbs to AIDS. A test for this involves the use of a blood sample (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2019). This is usually done to determine the presence of the virus.
Barriers to African American LGBT men regarding HIV treatment.
Most of the individuals are stigmatized. They are also discriminated which is also facilitated by homophobia. This actually affect whether they will seek or obtain quality health care service which includes being tested and also prevention services including getting treatment (Villarosa, 2017). Other individuals are not even aware of their HIV status which thus lowers their opportunity to take advantage of the available treatment.
Lower socio-economic factors which affect access to quality health care and also access to better education on prevention, including the available treatment. The side effects of the medication also seems to be a challenge (Villarosa, 2017). Some individuals are not sure of the effectiveness of preventive drugs such as PrEP.
There is also poor funding to facilitate the strategies which can be used to improve prevention and also testing. This thus lowers the number of individuals which could have benefited from the treatment because they are not aware if they have the condition (Villarosa, 2017). Limited resources by care providers with little knowledge on caring for those living with HIV also is a barrier to treatment. Others include poor literacy and mental disorders.
5 common STI’s and their treatments
Chlamydia
Treatment involves use of antibiotics which can be given orally or as an injection. Treatment involves those who have been in sexual contact with the person.
Gonorrhea
Use of antibiotics, injectable and oral medications can be used in combination
Genital herpes
Antiviral drugs are used even though it does not cure but in an outbreak it can limit the severity and length of outbreak (Office of Communications, 2017). Suppressive therapy is also used to reduce transmission to the partners.
Human immunodeficiency virus infection
Suppressive therapy is available. There is no cure. Combinations of anti-retroviral drugs are given to control the virus and help in improving the immune system.
Syphilis
In early stages it can be treated with single injection of antibiotic. Avoidance of sexual contact is important until the sores are healed. In late stages longer treatment with antibiotics is necessary.
Clinician approach on sensitive matters
Understanding the needs of the patients is always necessary. Assessment of the patient knowledge of the sensitive matters facilitates understanding the knowledge needs of the patient. Considering the patient choices and being understanding to the patient. It is also important for them to provide the best quality care while respecting all the needs of the patient.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2017, June) How to prevent STI’s.
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019) Diagnostic Testing For Sexually Transmitted Infections. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/sexually-transmitted/pages/Diagnostic-Testing-for-Sexually-Transmitted-Infections.aspx
Bhatti, A. B., Usman, M., & Kandi, V. (2016). Current scenario of HIV/AIDS, treatment options, and major challenges with compliance to antiretroviral therapy. Cureus, 8(3).
Office of Communications. (2017, January 31) Treatments for Specific Types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STDs/STIs). Retrieved from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/stds/conditioninfo/specific
Villarosa, L. (2017). America’s hidden HIV epidemic: Why do America’s Black gay and bisexual men have a higher HIV rate than any country in the world. New York Times Magazine, 6.
