Hodges Ashley L, Holland Aimee Chism
Department of Family, Community, and Health Systems, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing, 1701 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294-1210, USA.
Department of Family, Community, and Health Systems, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing, 1701 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294-1210, USA.
Nurs Clin North Am. 2018 Jun;53(2):189-202. doi: 10.1016/j.cnur.2018.01.013.
The spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains a significant public health issue in the United States. Social, economic, and behavioral implications affecting the spread of STIs have been identified. The most important social factor in the United States is the stigma associated with discussing sex and STI screening. In this article, specific recommendations for women are included regarding screening, diagnosing, and treating common vaginal and cervical infections. Screening women for infections of the vagina and cervix is essential because untreated infections may result in complications that have current and long-term health consequences and impact quality of life.