Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) is a strategy to treat the sex partners of persons diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections. When clinicians use EPT, they give the prescriptions to their patients who were just diagnosed with Gonorrhea (GC), Chlamydia (CT) or Trichomoniasis (Trich) and also give another prescription to the patient’s partner(s). This allows partners to receive treatment quickly and interrupt the spread of STI’s and reinfection.
The prescription can be provided if the three following conditions are met:
- The intended recipient is a sexual partner of the prescriber’s patient.
- The patient has been diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea or trichomoniasis.
- The patient reports to the prescriber that the sexual partner is unable or unwilling to be evaluated or treated by a health professional.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is there an EPT for any other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) besides Gonorrhea, Chlamydia or Trichomoniasis?
A: No. EPT was legalized in Ohio on March 23, 2016 exclusively for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea or Trichomoniasis infections.
Q: How can I get a prescription for my partner(s)?
A: A separate prescription for your partner(s) must include (if known) the sexual partner’s name, date of birth, allergy information and address. However, if the prescriber is unable to obtain the partner’s name and address, the prescription must instead include your name and address, along with the words “expedited partner therapy” or the letters “EPT.”
The prescription for EPT can be provided for up to 2 sex partners. The cost of EPT will not be covered by most insurances.
Q: What are the benefits of EPT?
A: Studies have shown that patients whose partners received EPT were 29% less likely to be reinfected than those who simply told their partners to visit the doctor.
EPT is a very effective method of preventing reoccurrences of STIs. If your partner does not have access to health care or is unwilling to get tested or treated, please contact the SHS Women’s clinic.