From the Guidelines
Partner treatment is crucial for several sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis, to prevent reinfection and reduce transmission. According to the most recent guidelines, partners of patients with these infections should be evaluated and treated promptly [ 1 ].
Key Infections Requiring Partner Treatment
- Chlamydia: Partners should receive azithromycin 1g as a single dose or doxycycline 100mg twice daily for 7 days.
- Gonorrhea: Treatment for partners typically involves ceftriaxone 500mg as a single intramuscular injection, often combined with azithromycin or doxycycline.
- Trichomoniasis: Partners should receive metronidazole 2g as a single dose or 500mg twice daily for 7 days.
- Syphilis: Partners need benzathine penicillin G, with the dosage depending on the stage of infection.
The importance of treating partners is highlighted by the fact that these infections are often asymptomatic, particularly in men, allowing unknowing transmission back to treated individuals [ 1 ]. This approach, called expedited partner therapy (EPT), is legally permitted in many regions and involves providing medication or prescriptions for partners without direct medical evaluation [ 1 ].
Best Practices for Partner Treatment
- Partners should ideally be tested before treatment.
- Both partners should abstain from sexual activity until treatment is complete.
- Both partners should be retested 3 months after treatment to confirm cure. By following these guidelines and best practices, healthcare providers can effectively prevent reinfection and reduce the transmission of these STIs, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
From the FDA Drug Label
Urethritis and cervicitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Genital ulcer disease in men due to Haemophilus ducreyi (chancroid). All patients with sexually-transmitted urethritis or cervicitis should have a serologic test for syphilis and appropriate cultures for gonorrhea performed at the time of diagnosis. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy and follow-up tests for these diseases should be initiated if infection is confirmed
The STIs that require partner treatment are:
- Chlamydia trachomatis
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Haemophilus ducreyi (chancroid)
- Syphilis Partner treatment is necessary to prevent the spread of these infections and to ensure that all infected individuals receive appropriate treatment 2.
From the Research
STIs Requiring Partner Treatment
The following STIs require partner treatment:
- Gonorrhea: Partner treatment is essential to prevent reinfection and reduce the risk of complications 3, 4, 5, 6
- Chlamydia: Partner treatment is necessary to prevent reinfection and reduce the risk of complications 3, 4, 5, 6
- Syphilis: Partner treatment is crucial to prevent reinfection and reduce the risk of complications 3, 4, 5
- Trichomoniasis: Partner treatment is recommended to prevent reinfection and reduce the risk of complications 3, 5
- Genital herpes: While there is no cure for genital herpes, partner treatment may involve antiviral medication to reduce the risk of transmission 4, 5
- Mycoplasma genitalium: Partner treatment is necessary to prevent reinfection and reduce the risk of complications 5
Importance of Partner Treatment
Partner treatment is essential to: