La strategia del Counseling nell'attività del Centro ambulatoriale per malattie a trasmissione sessuale

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are increasingly prevalent all over the world; in particular 'second generation' STD (infections from herpes simplex virus, human papilloma virus, Chlamydia trachomatis, etc). To limit the diffusion of STD, particularly HIV virus, counseling has been introduced as an outpatient practice. This is a new strategy which is based on an education programme organized by the physician of the STD Centres that induces the patient to knowingly modify his/her sexual behavior at risk for infection. Counseling requires a medium- to long-term programme, informed and motivated personnel and a hospitable environment. It is necessary that this possibility for prevention be suitably supported by the health care authorities in this country.