[Sexually transmitted infections and sexual violence against women. Guidelines for examination, prophylactic treatment and follow-up]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2002 Oct 7;164(41):4768-73.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

Based upon a literature search, but also considering the situation in Denmark, guidelines for examination, prophylactic treatment and follow-up of female victims of sexual assault have been prepared. A pragmatic attitude, looking upon the victim's situation and fear of having acquired a sexually transmitted infection, has been prevailing in order to avoid unnecessary examinations and treatments. The guidelines are directed towards female victims in whom the assault has included vaginal, oral, and/or anal penetration or attempt of penetration. It is concluded that all victims should be screened for and offered prophylactic treatment for chlamydia. Screening for gonorrhea initially and at follow-up is recommended but treatment only if an infection has been established. All victims should be screened for hepatitis B initially and again after three months and vaccination offered if any information indicates that the assailant has an increased risk of hepatitis B. All victims should be screened for HIV initially and again after one and three months. In single cases antiviral HIV prophylaxis must be considered.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chlamydia Infections / diagnosis
  • Chlamydia Infections / prevention & control
  • Chlamydia Infections / transmission
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gonorrhea / diagnosis
  • Gonorrhea / prevention & control
  • Gonorrhea / transmission
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Hepatitis B / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis B / prevention & control
  • Hepatitis B / transmission
  • Humans
  • Microbiological Techniques
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Rape*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / microbiology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Syphilis / diagnosis
  • Syphilis / prevention & control
  • Syphilis / transmission