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Josephine.G.Paterson
Abstract
Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection that is on the
increase in the male population in the UK. Gonorrhoea is becoming
increasingly resistant to antibiotics, making it harder to treat patients
effectively. Sexual health nurses therefore have a vital role to play in
preventing gonorrhoea reinfection. This article examines the ways in
which sexual health nurses can work with male patients to prevent
reinfection and effectively maintain their sexual health.
Author
Rosemarie Turner
Senior staff nurse, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS
Foundation Trust, London.
Correspondence to: rosemarie.turner@chelwest.nhs.uk
Keywords
Gonorrhoea, infection prevention and control, mens health,
sexual health
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TABLE 1
Cost of treating one episode of gonorrhoea infection in men
Aspect of care
Cost
12
7.68
6.37
500mg ceftriaxone
0.39
1g azithromycin
2.56
4.73
22.15
7.68
6.37
22.15
92.08
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Conclusion
There are several ways in which nurses can prevent
reinfection of gonorrhoea in men. Treatment of
the patient and his sexual partner/s is only an
interim measure and should be used alongside other
methods to achieve long-term sexual health. It is
the role of the sexual health nurse to enable patients
to have a fulfilling, healthy and safe sex life. Nurses
can help prevent gonorrhoea reinfection by treating
patients promptly; ensuring they understand what
they are being treated for and why; explaining the
risks of recurrent infection; and by empowering
them to take control of their actions NS
References
Bignell C, Ison CA, Jungmann E
(2006) Gonorrhoea. Sexually
Transmitted Infections. 82,
Suppl 4, iv6-iv9.
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