For many reasons, this is not a book to read on the train or bus on the way to work, which is a shame as it is an excellent text. I have always felt a little uncomfortable managing potential sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the emergency department, not only because I felt I did not know that much about them but also because of the feeling that perhaps we should be doing more in the emergency department, thereby obviating the need for referral to genitourinary medicine clinics which are under considerable strain at the moment.

Having read this concise and easily accessible text, I am now more confident in the assessment of STDs and also much happier that the place to investigate and treat is ideally in a dedicated facility. The chapters on the importance, control and prevention of STDs reinforce this and give an insight into the current scale of what is an increasingly important public health problem. The role of an STD service in this regard is beyond what the average emergency department can deliver, and these patients clearly need referral.

There are several aspects to this text which I think are particularly good. Firstly, the authors have chosen not just to recommend treatment regimens based solely on their own practice, but also to give recommendations from a wide number of clearly identifiable sources. Secondly, the overlap of other conditions that may present as a possible sexually transmitted infection is particularly valuable for those working in emergency medicine.

So, my advice would be to get a hold of this book, but if you intend to read it on the train then perhaps put it inside the ABC of something else or you may get a few odd looks from your fellow passengers.