Sexual Health
This page presents structured information on major sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV prevention methods, and practical decision points for clinical follow-up.
Core prevention
Condom use, lubricant compatibility, routine testing, and informed partner communication.
Medical prevention
PrEP for planned prevention and PEP for emergency post-exposure intervention.
Escalation criteria
Severe symptoms, recent high-risk exposure, or sexual assault require urgent in-person care.
Major STI overview
| Condition | Typical concerns | Testing and follow-up | Prevention focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIV | May be asymptomatic early; untreated infection progresses over time. | Use recommended HIV testing windows and repeat as advised by clinician. | Condoms, PrEP, PEP (within 72 hours), regular testing. |
| Syphilis | Can present with painless sores or rash; may be missed without testing. | Blood testing is central; repeat testing may be required after exposure. | Barrier protection, partner notification, routine screening. |
| Gonorrhea | May cause discharge, pain, or no symptoms. | Site-specific testing may be needed based on exposure pattern. | Condoms, regular screening, prompt treatment follow-up. |
| Chlamydia | Frequently asymptomatic; can still transmit and cause complications. | Laboratory screening based on exposure profile. | Condom use and periodic screening. |
| Hepatitis B/C | Liver-related infection risk depending on exposure type. | Blood-based testing when indicated by clinician. | Vaccination (where applicable), safer sex, clinical monitoring. |
| HPV | Common viral infection; some strains linked to long-term disease risk. | Assessment depends on symptoms and clinician judgment. | Vaccination eligibility discussion and safer practices. |
| Herpes (HSV) | Recurrent painful lesions in some cases; asymptomatic shedding can occur. | Clinical assessment during symptomatic episodes is useful. | Barrier protection and informed disclosure with partners. |
HIV prevention planning: PrEP vs PEP
PrEP is a proactive prevention strategy for ongoing risk profiles. PEP is an emergency response started as soon as possible after exposure and within a limited time window.[4][5]
Testing cadence and retesting
One negative result may not close all risk windows. Use clinician-led timing and repeat testing where indicated.[3]
When to seek urgent in-person care
Severe genital symptoms, fever with recent risk exposure, potential HIV exposure within 72 hours, or assault concerns require rapid clinical review.
Professional communication template
“I need a confidential STI/HIV risk assessment based on recent exposure, with clear guidance on what to test now and what to retest later.”
Sources
[1] WHO HIV fact sheet – https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids
[2] WHO STI fact sheet – https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)
[3] CDC HIV testing – https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html
[4] CDC PrEP – https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/prevention/prep.html
[5] CDC PEP – https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/prevention/pep.html