Posts
A proposed bill in the State of
Michigan would allow doctors to prescribe medication for the partner of a
patient with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) without examining the
partner. The process is termed expedited partner therapy, and in this instance,
the law is being applied to chlamydia and gonorrhea.
If left untreated, these two
diseases can seriously damage a woman’s reproductive system and cause pelvic
inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Also, infection with
these diseases can increase the risk of contracting HIV. According to Karen Krzanowski,
manager of the STD program at the Michigan Department of Community Health,
“ideally anyone who has tested positive for these diseases or knows they’ve
been exposed should see their physician or visit the local health department
for treatment.” Krzanowski explains that sometimes partners are “not willing”
to go for treatment. In those circumstances, the patient being seen would be
given a prescription for the partner.
The health department is
particularly concerned about young women because of the danger to their
reproductive organs. In 2011, more than 50,000 cases of chlamydia and more than
13,000 cases of gonorrhea were reported in Michigan. Krzanwoski noted that at
present, Michigan is one of seven states that prohibit expedited partner
therapy.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
