American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Who should be screened for gonorrhea?

1. Only women aged 25 and younger

2. All sexually active individuals

3. All sexually active women at increased risk

4. Only pregnant women

The correct answer is: All sexually active women at increased risk

Screening for gonorrhea is particularly important for sexually active individuals to facilitate early detection and treatment, thereby reducing the risk of complications and transmission. Specifically, sexually active women at increased risk, such as those with multiple sexual partners or a history of sexually transmitted infections, should definitely be screened. This group is prioritized because they are at a heightened risk for gonococcal infection, which can lead to serious health issues, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility if left untreated. While general recommendations encourage screening for all sexually active individuals, the emphasis on women at increased risk ensures the most vulnerable populations receive focused care. Screening guidelines are often designed to target groups based on specific factors such as age, sexual behaviors, and previous infection history to maximize public health outcomes, which is why this particular choice aligns with established medical recommendations. Other groups, such as all sexually active individuals or only pregnant women, may also require consideration for screening, but the recommendation specifically for sexually active women at increased risk is particularly crucial given the epidemiology of the disease and its complications.