When Do STDs Require Surgery? Complications Driving Operative Intervention

Most STDs are treated medically (antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals). Surgery is reserved for complications:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease → tubo-ovarian abscess (drainage/salpingectomy).
• Ectopic pregnancy (salpingostomy/salpingectomy).
• Genital warts → excision/laser for extensive lesions.
• HPV-related neoplasia → LEEP, cone biopsy, radical surgery.
• Fournier’s gangrene (polymicrobial) → aggressive debridement.
• Syphilitic aortic aneurysm → graft replacement.

Early medical treatment prevents most surgical sequelae.