PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an emergency treatment that reduces the risk of contracting HIV infection. It can be taken AFTER a potentially risky exposure.
Situations in which the use of PEP is considered include, for example:
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a treatment that can be taken BEFORE a possible exposure to the HIV virus to reduce the risk of infection. It involves taking a pill containing two drugs, tenofovir and emtricitabine, which work by preventing HIV from replicating in cells. This way, even if the virus enters the body, it cannot spread and is eliminated.
No! Condoms protect against all sexually transmitted infections and prevent unwanted pregnancies. PrEP, on the other hand, protects only against HIV. Essentially, it’s not a valid alternative to condoms, but it does at least limit the risks faced by those who don’t use them.
As with any medication, side effects may occur, but in most cases, PrEP is well tolerated. With the exception of allergies, which fortunately are rare in severe cases, the most common side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, headache, or a feeling of tiredness, especially in the first few days. These effects tend to disappear over time. In a small percentage of cases (about 2%), a slight reduction in kidney function may occur, but this is reversible and returns to normal once treatment is stopped.
The term “sexually transmitted infection” (STI) refers to a condition caused by the presence of a microorganism (bacteria, virus, or parasite) that is transmitted primarily through sexual intercourse. Itching, burning, or discharge in the genital area may be symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection. In many cases, symptoms are mild and subtle, or completely absent. However, STIs can have serious consequences for a person’s sexual and reproductive health.
Fortunately, STIs can be effectively treated. In most cases, rapid and complete recovery occurs after treatment. In other cases, often viral in nature, the infection cannot be cured, but with the right therapy, it can be effectively treated and become chronic.
Given the frequent absence of symptoms and the severity of potential complications, it’s easy to understand why regular testing to rule out these infections is so important. Taking these tests at least once in your life, and repeating them if conditions arise that put you at risk of acquiring one of these infections, allows us to protect ourselves and the people we interact with. If you’d like to take a test for sexually transmitted infections, visit the dedicated page on the website and find out how to book an appointment.
Safer sex refers to all practices that allow sexual intercourse to be safe from infection.
Some of these practices include:
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PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an emergency treatment that reduces the risk of contracting HIV infection. It can be taken AFTER a potentially risky exposure.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a therapy that can be taken BEFORE a possible exposure to the HIV virus to reduce the risk of developing an infection. It involves taking a pill containing two drugs, tenofovir and emtricitabine, which work by preventing HIV from replicating in cells. This way, even if the virus enters the body, it cannot spread and is eliminated.
If you are a minor and would like more information about STI testing, contact us.
If you are in a dangerous situation and fear you may be subjected to any type of violence, always call the emergency number 112.
The national anti-violence and stalking number is 1522.
