ABSTRACT
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea are well recognized, and for an individual presenting with a first episode of urethritis, the diagnosis and treatment may be straightforward. However, this person must have been infected during sexual intercourse. Sexual partners should be traced in order to identify and eliminate infections in those individuals as well. This is so important as infection can be asymptomatic, especially in females. In the case of chlamydia, it is likely that only 10% of infected individuals seek medical advice, emphasizing the difference between a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and a STD for which medical help is usually sought.
