Advantages and disadvantages of syndromic management of STIs
| Advantages |
| Problem orientated (responds to patient’s symptoms) |
| High sensitivity for the detection of infections among symptomatic patients, and does not miss mixed infections |
| Treatment given at first visit |
| Provides opportunity and time for education and counselling |
| Avoids expensive laboratory tests |
| Avoids unnecessary return visit for laboratory results |
| Curtails referral to specialist centres |
| Can be implemented at primary care level |
| Disadvantages |
| Over-diagnosis and over-treatment with the following consequences: |
| Increased drug costs |
| Possible side effects of multiple drugs |
| Changes in vaginal flora |
| Potential for increased drug resistance |
| Domestic violence |
| Requires (re)training of staff |
| Possible resistance to its introduction from medical establishment |
| Cannot be used to detect infections among asymptomatic individuals |