Infertility Prevention
The Region VI Infertility Prevention project is a collaborative
effort of the STD and Family Planning Programs and Public Health Laboratories in
Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. The overall purpose of this
project is to reduce the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infections and
their sequelae through screening, treatment and follow-up services.
The Infertility Prevention Project began in Region X as a pilot
project. After demonstrated success in reducing the prevalence of CYT in Region
X, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) obtained funds from
Congress to launch a National Infertility Prevention Program. In 1992, the CDC,
through the Office of Population Affairs (OPA), funded demonstration projects in
Regions III, VII and VIII. By 1994, Regions IV, V, and IX had received funds to
develop project infrastructure and to begin expanding patient services. Regions
I, II and VI received initial service delivery funds in January, 1995, but funds
were restricted pending submission and approval of regional infertility project
plans.
The Region VI Chlamydia Control Project is governed by the
Regional Infertility Prevention Advisory Committee (RIPAC), which is comprised
of one Family Planning administrator from each state, one state public health
lab director or designee, and one STD director or designee. The RIPAC meets
together three times a year and conducts telephone conference calls as needed to
explore issues, keep abreast of new information related to chlamydia, develop
guidelines and standards, and provide recommendations. The Center for Health
Training (TCHT) administers regional aspects of the project in Region VI and
provides coordination and support. The CDC provides on-going technical
assistance with current information on testing technology, surveillance and
advances in treatment.
One of the efforts of the NM project includes provider
education. A Chlamydia Training Manual with CEU/CMEs
is posted on this site.
View the
Regional Infertility Prevention Project Newsletter.
Self-Paced Training Manual for
Clinical Management of
Chlamydia trachomatis
Prepared by:
Region VI Infertility
Prevention Advisory Committee
Training Subcommittee
May 1999/Updated June 2002
Produced by:
Center for Health Training
Texas Department of Health
Gen-Probe Incorporated
Instructions for Use of Manual to Obtain
Continuing Education Credit Hours
This self study training manual is designed to provide clinical staff
with information and guidelines related to the Region VI Chlamydia
Project. This manual should be read and reviewed by all staff providing
medical services to clients receiving testing, treatment and counseling for
Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infections. References to gonorrhea (GC),
etiology, epidemiology, transmission, screening and treatment guidelines
have also been included because the two infections frequently coexist and
can be somewhat clinically similar.
This educational module and the post-test will offer continuing education
credits. After studying the manual and completing the post-test, please refer to
the address in your state (provided in the Appendix) for the registration and
certification for continuing education credits.
Course Description.
This training manual provides information on the history and purpose of the Chlamydia Control Project, a medical overview of Chlamydia trachomatis
infections, screening and treatment guidelines, client education and counseling
guidelines, laboratory technologies, quality assurance standards, resources
available and a glossary.
Course Objectives.
Upon completion of this course, the reader should be able to:
- Describe the organization and purpose of the Chlamydia Control Project.
- Describe the epidemiology of Ct and GC infections and identify the
populations most at risk.
- Discuss the clinical manifestations in females and males.
- Identify correct specimen collection techniques and common problems of
specimen collection and handling.
- List the most common screening and treatment regimens.
- Discuss appropriate education and counseling related to prevention,
treatment, and follow-up of infected individuals and their partners.
- List current laboratory technologies and common reasons for specimen
rejections.
Return to top
What is the Chlamydia Project?
Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) was the number one most frequently reported
communicable disease in the United States in 1995. But how many people even know
what chlamydia is? Unfortunately, too many Americans have never even heard of
this disease that can leave its victims with such devastating complications as
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancies or
infertility.
The Chlamydia Project, also known as the Infertility Prevention
Project (IPP), is a multi-faceted, multi-state demonstration project. It is
funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with funds
obtained from Congress. The Project's overall mission is to implement effective
prevention strategies designed to reduce the prevalence of Chlamydia
trachomatis and its potentially debilitating complications. Project funds
are used to screen and treat women for chlamydia infections, to counsel women
and their partners on safer sex practices, and to refer women for other medical
services as appropriate.
There are approximately 15 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs) occurring annually in the United States. Of the top ten most frequently
reported diseases in 1995, five were sexually transmitted diseases. The
Institute of Medicine published a report on STDs in 1997 and called it, The
Hidden Epidemic. The tremendous health and economic burdens of STDs are not
typical dinner table conversation topics for most Americans, and the general
population is largely unaware of the tremendous long term burdens that STDs can
impose.
The Hidden Epidemic lists three reasons why the general population is
largely unaware of the health consequences of STDs. First, like chlamydia, many
STDs are asymptomatic and thus go undiagnosed. Second, many major health
consequences, such as infertility, certain cancers and other chronic conditions,
can occur years after the initial infection so there is not the conscious link
to the original STD. Third, the stigma associated with having an STD inhibits
open public discussion and education.
Prevention of infertility and other serious complications of chlamydia
infections is one of the most potentially successful prevention opportunities
for the health improvement of American women. Clients may be cured with
medication for less than $1.50 each. Officials at the CDC have estimated that
every dollar spent on early detection can save an estimated $12 in
complication-associated costs.
Throughout the country, the CDC has set up regional infertility prevention
advisory committees to support collaborative relationships with public health
laboratories, family planning providers, STD programs and other women's health
providers. These regional committees set project priorities, establish regional
screening and treatment guidelines, and link surveillance and epidemiological
activities. The Region VI Infertility Prevention Advisory Committee is composed
of state program directors from each of the five U.S. Public Health Service
(PHS) Region VI states: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
This training manual has been developed for clinical staff participating in
the Region VI Chlamydia Project. However, the information presented here has
useful application for anyone desiring more knowledge of the clinical management
of Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infections.
Also visit the
Center for
Health Training for more information.
Return to top
Chlamydia Positivity Rates in Region VI Females by Age Group & Clinic Type
(n=258,811).
*Positivity rates are calculated by dividing the number of women testing
positive for Ct (numerator) by the total number of women tested for Ct.
Return to top
|
NM Department of Health Family Planning Program
