Special Report: Education and Collaboration in STI Management

EP: 1.Special Report: Advances in STI Screening and Treatments

EP: 2.Special Report: New Frontiers in STI Treatment

EP: 3.Special Report: STI Diagnostic Innovations and At-Home Testing

EP: 4.Special Report: Challenges and Workflow Integration in STI Care

EP: 5.Special Report: Impact of Screening on Congenital Conditions

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EP: 6.Special Report: Education and Collaboration in STI Management

EP: 7.Special Report: Future Directions for STI Diagnosis and Treatment

In part 6 of this 7-part Special Report, panelists look at where STI screening and management are headed. One of the most important reminders for women’s health providers is that guidelines exist for a reason. They are grounded in rigorous research, and following them consistently—while still tailoring care to individual risk factors—is the best way to protect women across reproductive stages.

Over the past five years, the landscape has shifted dramatically thanks to innovations in diagnostics: FDA-cleared self-collection kits, point-of-care molecular assays, and expanded treatment options. These advancements are particularly meaningful in women’s health because they address longstanding barriers around comfort, privacy, and access. In a rural or resource-limited setting, these innovations don’t just enhance convenience—they can alter public health outcomes for entire communities.

Yet, even with these tools, there are gaps in both provider and patient education. Women are often turning to social media for information, which underscores the need for providers to be proactive educators. The takeaway for clinicians is to leverage evidence-based tools while also empowering women with knowledge—ensuring they understand not just what to do, but why it matters. That empowerment, paired with streamlined access to diagnostics, is what will ultimately reduce STI burden, improve reproductive outcomes, and build long-term trust.

Our Experts:

• Kylee Johnson, MS, APRN, is a women’s health nurse practitioner at Rocky Mountain Women's Clinic.
• Brooke Redmond, MD, is an attending neonatal critical care physician at the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. She is the creator and director of the 24/7 BABY program.
• Denise Heaney, PhD, is a senior scientific affairs manager in Diagnostics Information Solutions at Roche Diagnostics Corporation in Indianapolis.

Redmond and Johnson have no relevant disclosures to report. Relevant disclosures for Heaney include Roche.

References:

1. Hufstetler K, Llata E, Miele K, Quilter LAS. Clinical Updates in Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2024. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2024;33(6):827-837. doi:10.1089/jwh.2024.0367

2. World Health Organization. Guidelines for the management of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections. Published 2025. Accessed September 30, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK616637/