Sexually transmitted diseases syndromic approach: urethral discharge.

Urethral discharge (UD) in men is one of the most identifiable sexually transmitted infections (STI)-associated syndromes. UD performs very well, giving the possibility of an accurate diagnosis, a treatment at first encounter, a rapid cure with effective drugs, a modification of the risk behavior. Furthermore the patient is informed about the infectious nature of STDs, the transmission through sexual intercourse, the increased risks of infertility and other complications and, finally, the importance of completing treatment, even after improvement. Applying the syndromic approach to UD has resulted in effective case management of urethritis, as shown in different studies. Thus, there are numerous reasons why treatment of gonorrhea should include a regimen with complete in vivo activity against both N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis.