The family physician in the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases

Primary tasks of general practitioner/family physician in the prevention of STD (Sexually transmitted diseases) are related to population education on STD, their frequency, channels of infection, possible protection, symptoms , early detection, treatment, and risks of untreated infections. General pr actitioner/family physician should provide an adequate treatment for the pa tient and his/her partner(s), which is the most difficult obstacle to succe ssful treatment. It is up to the physician and his skills to convince the p atient that the treatment of STD should involve also all his/her other part ners, at the same time preserving confidentiality and close relationship wi th the patient. The description of general practitioner's/family physician' s work in the treatment of STD gives several examples from practice which i ndicate the specificity of the problem and the need for individual approach to each patient. Although the available data have shown that the frequency of STD in the Croatian population in care of general practitioners/family physicians is still relatively low, according to data from developed countr ies a rise in the frequency of STD may be expected in the near future, whic h asks for a more adequate diagnostics in our practices. Furthermore, it is necessary to expand knowledge in this field not only of physicians and oth er primary health care workers but also of the population at large.