Availability of services for subjects of sexual assault in genitourinary medicine clinics.

The aim of this study is to gain an understanding of the services available to subjects of sexual assault at genitourinary medicine (GU medicine) clinics throughout the United Kingdom, and to determine whether these services are adequate. By means of a questionnaire, consultants in 106 clinics provided information on the number of patients who reported sexual assault and the services available to them. The study found a marked regional variation in attendances by subjects of sexual assault.

Reducing waiting times for GU medicine appointments: the impact of a new appointment system.

Our objective was to reduce the 'did not attend' (DNA) rates and waiting times by introducing a new confirmatory appointment system prior to their attendance at both Hartlepool and Middlesbrough genitourinary (GU) medicine departments. In Middlesbrough it was previous day appointment confirmation, whereas at Hartlepool it was 10 days. Both systems achieved significant attendance rates of 83.

Seroprevalence of antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 among two sexually active female populations in Middlesbrough, England.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection occurs worldwide but its epidemiology varies between different countries and between groups of individuals. Seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies is a more accurate method of determining epidemiology of this infection. In this cross-sectional study, 467 blood samples were obtained from women attending the genitourinary medicine clinic (GUM) and antenatal clinic (ANC) in Middlesbrough, England.

A comparison of two methods for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in the male urethra.

Several methods have been put forward for screening people for Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the urogenital tract. It is often believed that culture is the gold standard. However, newer and faster methods are being developed.

Audit of hepatitis B immunization at the genitourinary medicine department in Middlesbrough, UK.

The outcomes of hepatitis B immunization programme at the genitourinary medicine (GUM) department in Middlesbrough during a period of five years were examined. The majority of those immunized were male homosexuals who had earlier requested an HIV test. All participants had preimmunization hepatitis B serology, and were negative.

The cellular immune system in female patients with or without genital warts: a study of peripheral white blood cell components.

The immune system plays a vital role in the fight against infections. The commonest viral infections treated in the genitourinary medicine (GUM) departments are genital warts. Knowledge about the status of the immune system in these patients may help in their clinical management.

Genital thrush in women: the attitudes and practice patterns of General Practitioners in Teesside and north Yorkshire.

This study was performed in order to determine the attitudes and practice patterns of some of the GPs on Teesside and North Yorkshire in the management of their female patients complaining of genital thrush, a term often used to mean vulvo-vaginal candidosis an extremely common condition (Tobin, 1995; Elliott, 1998; Lopez-Martinez et al, 1984). Postal questionnaires were sent to 65 GPs on Teesside and the bordering areas of North Yorkshire. There were 45(69%) completed replies.

Traditional medicine in Nigeria and modern obstetric practice: need for cooperation.

Objectives: To determine the prevalent use of traditional medicine in pregnancy and labour and to find out if there is any association between the use of traditional medicine and obstetric outcomes.

Design: A cross sectional structured interview survey and case notes review.

Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ogun State University Teaching Hospital (OSUTH), Sagamu, Nigeria.

Podophyllin 0.5% or 2.0% v podophyllotoxin 0.5% for the self treatment of penile warts: a double blind randomised study.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and cost of self treatment of penile warts with a commercial preparation of podophyllotoxin 0.5% (PDX 0.5%) with podophyllin 0.

Pediculosis pubis: a surrogate marker for sexually transmitted diseases.

A review of all the patients diagnosed to have Pediculosis pubis (P pubis) during a 2 year period 1989-1991 was carried out. They constituted the index group and were compared with 140 consecutive patients seen during the month of June 1990, who served as controls. Both groups were comparable with respect to age and use of modern contraception.

Sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases in older men attending the Genito-Urinary Clinic in Birmingham.

Eighty-seven men aged 60 years and over who attended the sole genito-urinary clinic in Birmingham during the year 1989 had their records reviewed. Sixty-five (75%) were sexually active and the most frequent complaints were penile soreness and urethral discharge. Nineteen patients had positive serological tests for syphilis (TPHA) and two men, both homosexuals, had positive hepatitis (HBA2) serology.

The role of genito-urinary medicine in adolescent sexuality.

Objective: To examine the sexual behaviour and the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases among adolescent girls who attended the Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinic in Birmingham.

Design: Retrospective case control study.

Setting: The Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinic (Ward 19), General Hospital, Birmingham.