These guidelines for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) were established after careful deliberation by a group of experts and staff of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Commentary received after dissemination of preliminary documents to a large group of physicians was also considered. Certain aspects of these guidelines represent the best judgment of experts. These guidelines should not be construed as rules, but rather as a source of guidance within the United States. This is particularly true for topics that are controversial or based on limited data.