Although sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are extremely common in the United States and throughout the world, many sufferers are referred to public health facilities. Therefore, primary care physicians often do not manage these patients on a daily basis. Health care professionals with little experience may find it difficult, for example, to differentiate the causes of genital ulcerative lesions or understand the many infectious sources of inguinal adenopathy. Furthermore, keeping abreast of current diagnostic tools and treatments can be overwhelming. With the emergence of HIV and its impact on other STDs, the area has never been more complicated or more vital in terms of both public and personal health.
The authors of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Companion Handbook seek to simplify STDs in a concise, easily accessible source. Their companion to the second edition textbook accomplishes the goal well. The pocket-sized guide is a well-organized, thorough reference. Each disease is discussed in