Expedited Partner Therapy in the Management of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Expedited partner therapy (EPT) is the practice of treating the sex partners of persons with sexually transmitted diseases (STD) without an intervening medical evaluation or professional prevention counseling. The usual implementation of EPT is through patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT), although other methods may be employed. The available literature and selected unpublished studies were systematically reviewed, and this report provides background for the development of guidance on use of EPT as an option for partner management for selected STDs and patients.