WHAT ARE STDS OR STIS?
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by infections that are passed from one person to another during sexual contact. These infections often do not cause any symptoms. Medically, infections are only called diseases when they cause symptoms. That is why STDs are also called “sexually transmitted infections.” However, it’s very common for people to use the terms “sexually transmitted diseases” or “STDs,” even when there are no signs of disease. There are many kinds of sexually transmitted diseases and infections. And they are very common —more than half of all of us will get one at some time in our lives. The good news is we can protect ourselves and each other from STDs.
- Practicing safer sex allows you to reduce your risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases. If you’ve done anything that puts you at risk of infection, getting tested allows you to get any treatments you may need. Find out if you should get tested for HIV, chlamydia, or gonorrhea, three dangerous STDs, by contacting by calling us at 813-515-4408 or 863-875-9351.
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a way for people who participate in condomless sex to prevent HIV by taking a pill every day. The pill (brand names Truvada & Descovy) contains two medicines (Tenofovir and Emtricitabine) that are used in combination with other medicines to treat HIV. Truvada is currently recommended for cisgender women and Descovy is recommended for men and transgender women. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, these medicines can work to keep the virus from establishing a permanent infection.When taken consistently, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at high risk by up to 98%. PrEP is much less effective if it is not taken consistently. PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool and can be combined with condoms and other prevention methods to provide even greater protection than when used alone. But people who use PrEP must commit to taking the drug every day and seeing their health care provider for follow-up every 3 months. PrEP is offered through our pharmacy program at little to no cost. Click here to get started
