At Temple, we want you to feel safe. Regardless of how you identify, who you have sex with or how you do it, you can talk to us honestly. Speaking openly with your doctor is important so you can get the right screenings at the right times.
Depending on who you have sex with and how, your doctor might recommend HIV screening at different intervals. This could be once a year, twice a year, or once every 3 months depending on what you and your medical team decide is best for your needs. You may need more frequent tests depending on your habits and activities.
Your doctor will also recommend tests for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and other infections. When you come in for these tests, your doctor will also test for HPV (human papillomavirus). It’s important to test for HPV, as it can cause cancers of the head, throat, neck and cervix. Your doctor may also recommend anal pap smear tests.
STI Prevention and Treatment
Yes, you’re more than your sexual identity. But it’s important that your doctor and medical team know so we can better serve you. Regular testing for STIs is always important.
Your doctor may also recommend you go on PrEP, a drug proven to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by up to 99%. Your doctor may place you on certain antibiotics to prevent infections such as syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Your healthcare team will provide prevention and treatment for:
- HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) — Your medical team will care for you with HIV management through medication should you test positive.
- PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis — This is a highly effective drug if taken before exposure to HIV through sexual intercourse or using shared needles for drug use.
- PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis — This is an emergency medication for people who may have been exposed to HIV through sexual intercourse or using shared needles for drug use.
- Sexually transmitted infections — Your doctor may prescribe you preventive antibiotics if you’re at risk and will treat you should you test positive.
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