What You Should Know About STI Testing
Many STIs have no signs or symptoms. The only way to know if you have an STI is to get tested. Learn more about all your STI testing options.
When you think of HIV prevention, condoms are probably the first thing that comes to mind—which is great, because they should! Condoms are a proven method to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during intercourse. But there is another option to prevent HIV—PrEP.
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. The word prophylaxis means to prevent or control the spread of an infection or disease. The goal of PrEP is to prevent HIV infection from taking hold if you are exposed to the virus.
PrEP involves taking medication to prevent HIV infection. Oral PrEP involves taking a pill once daily to prevent HIV infection in someone who is HIV-negative. Currently there are two pills approved for PrEP:
When taken consistently, every day, oral PrEP has been shown to reduce the likelihood of HIV infection by about 99%.
There are also options for PrEP given by injection. One option—Apretude—is given every two months (following two starting doses given a month apart). This option is approved for adults and adolescents weighing at least 77 pounds. A second injectable option—Yetzugo—is given only twice a year.
So who is PrEP recommended for? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers these guidelines on people who should consider taking PrEP:
You have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months and you:
You inject drugs and you:
PrEP shouldn’t be considered a replacement for condoms. Rather, PrEP offers a new, highly effective prevention option—another tool in the HIV prevention toolbox that fits alongside condoms, not as a replacement. After all, while PrEP helps prevent HIV infection, condoms offer protection against many other STIs as well.
Despite the promise offered by PrEP, it isn’t necessarily the right choice for everyone. In addition to requiring taking pills or getting an injection consistently, those on PrEP are also advised to see health care provider regularly for follow ups and get tested for HIV every three months. But for those willing to take on the commitment, PrEP is a highly effective way to prevent HIV.
Want to get PrEP delivered right to you door? Visit Freddie, ASHA’s mail-order-PrEP partner, to take their 1-minute PrEP assessment and book a free phone consultation with their care team. Over 90% of Freddie patients pay $0 for PrEP.
Many STIs have no signs or symptoms. The only way to know if you have an STI is to get tested. Learn more about all your STI testing options.
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Learn the basics about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.
Life continues after becoming HIV positive. Thanks to new treatments, many people with HIV are living long, healthy lives.
A joint investigation by the CDC and the New Mexico Health Department has confirmed that an unlicensed medi-spa is responsible for at least three cases of HIV.
A new meta-analysis of eight published studies found that the risk of sexual transmission of HIV is almost zero in people with low viral loads.
The USPSTF recently released updated recommendations on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for preventing the sexual transmission of HIV. The recommendations add additional medications, including a long-acting injectable.
Anytime is the right time to promote HIV prevention and advocacy and there are specific observations recognized throughout the year when it’s especially good to be involved.
There is a lot to think about when you want to have a baby or when a baby is on the way. One important step is to learn about HIV. Knowing whether you have HIV can help you decide how to protect your baby.
ASHA believes that all people have the right to the information and services that will help them to have optimum sexual health. We envision a time when stigma is no longer associated with sexual health and our nation is united in its belief that sexuality is a normal, healthy, and positive aspect of human life.
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