Index by Module and Section

1. STIs/RTIs and Health Services

What are STIs and RTIs?
Why should reproductive health services focus on STIs/RTIs?

- Seriousness of complications
- Links to HIV and AIDS
- Family planning methods and STIs/RTIs
- No missed opportunities

Special concerns for women

Preventing STIs/RTIs
- Integration into family planning counseling

How does a focus on STIs/RTIs meet clients’ needs?
Breaking the silence
Future implications
Quiz
Summary

2. Understanding STIs/RTIs

Purpose of this module
- STIs vs. STDs
Defining our terms

- Classifications of RTIs
- Asymptomatic infections
- Safer sex

Sexual and reproductive anatomy
- Male sexual and reproductive organs

- Female sexual and reproductive organs

Quiz
Making it work
Case studies

3. Common STIs/RTIs

Purpose of this module
Common STIs/RTIs

- Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- Chancroid
- Chlamydia
- Genital herpes
- Genital warts (HPV)
- Cervical cancer and HPV
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- HIV infection
- Syphilis
- Trichomonas infection
- Vaginal yeast infection (candidiasis, moniliasis)

Signs and symptoms of common STIs/RTIs
Seriousness of STI/RTI complications

- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Complications of common STIs/RTIs
Quiz
Making it work
Case studies

4. Diagnosis of STIs/RTIs

Purpose of this module

Critical components of STI/RTI management

Three approaches to STI/RTI diagnosis

- The clinical approach
- The etiological approach
- The syndromic approach

Using the syndromic approach

- Classification by syndrome
- Use of algorithms
- Treatment and counseling
- Treatment of partners

Advantages and limitations of syndromic management
- Advantages of syndromic management
- Limitations and concerns

When should syndromic management be used?

STI risk assessment for women

- Use of risk assessment in the vaginal discharge algorithm
- Risk assessment for asymptomatic infections

Quiz
Making it work
Case studies

5. Treating STIs/RTIs

Purpose of this module
Treatment of curable vs. incurable infections
Treatment concerns

- Cost and access
- Antibiotic resistance
- HIV and AIDS

Partner notification and treatment

- Who should be notified?
- Importance of voluntary consent and confidentiality
- Strategies for partner notification

Importance of client counseling as part of STI treatment

Key elements of counseling STI clients
- Source of the infection
- Potential complications
- Informing and treating partners
- Adherence to treatment
- Abstinence during treatment
- Prevention
- HIV testing

Quiz
Making it work
Case studies

6. Preventing STIs/RTIs

Purpose of this module
Behavior change

“Stages of change” model
Risk and vulnerability related to common STIs/RTIs
Reducing risk
- Safer sex

Male and female condoms

- Male condoms
- Female condoms

Condom bias and stigma

- Provider bias

Condom promotion and dual protection

Risk reduction options in development

- Microbicides

- Vaccines

Integrating STI services in reproductive health services

Provider attitudes: Overcoming biases and improving comfort

Key elements of integrated family planning, STI and HIV prevention counseling
- Risk perception: Helping the client determine and perceive risk
- Decision making
- Skills to implement decisions

Making it work
Case studies

© 2007 EngenderHealth. This course was made possible through a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.