Sexual Wellness 101: Embracing Health and Safety
Words by Daniel Vaillancourt
In the spirit of September being Sexual Health Awareness Month, it’s essential to spotlight the significance of sexual wellness — an integral part of our overall well-being. “Good health is sexual health, and sexual health is good health,” says DAP Health Director of Specialty Programs Dr. Jason Halperin.
DAP Health has three sexual wellness clinics (in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Indio) because we understand that sexual health is more than just the absence of disease. It’s about understanding, embracing, and managing our sexuality in a way that is positive, safe, and empowering. No stigma or shame. Ever.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please visit daphealth.org or call 760.992.0492. And by all means, read on!
Understanding HIV and STIs
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, are infections that can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact. While some STIs can be cured, others, like HIV, are chronic conditions that require ongoing management.
HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks the body’s immune system and, if left untreated, can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). However, advancements in medicine have transformed HIV from a fatal disease into a manageable condition.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the cornerstone of HIV treatment, allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives. ART works by reducing the amount of virus in the body, lowering it to undetectable levels. When the virus is undetectable, it is also untransmittable — a concept known as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable). This means that people living with HIV who adhere to their treatment and achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit the virus to others.
Unfortunately, even in 2024, many people are unaware that they may be living with HIV. That’s why it’s important to get tested regularly. If you’re negative, get on PrEP or PEP for HIV prevention, and on PEP for STI prevention (see more below). If you’re HIV positive, get treated so that you can age well with HIV, and become U=U. If you're positive for an STI, get treated ASAP. And remember, HIV testing — and STI testing and treatment — are always free at DAP Health. Free from cost, and free from stigma and shame.
Prevention: Protecting Yourself and Others
Prevention is a vital aspect of sexual wellness, and there are several strategies to protect oneself from HIV and other STIs.
- PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) for HIV Prevention
PrEP is a daily pill (or a bimonthly, long-lasting injection; brand name Apretude) for people at high risk of contracting HIV. It’s a powerful tool that, when taken consistently, can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by up to 99%. PrEP is especially recommended for individuals with HIV-positive partners, those who have multiple sexual partners, or people who engage in sex without condoms.
- PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) for HIV Prevention
PEP is an emergency treatment for HIV-negative individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. It involves taking antiretroviral medications for 28 days, starting within 72 hours after possible exposure. PEP is most effective when started as soon as possible, and it’s crucial to complete the full course of treatment to reduce the risk of infection.
- DoxyPEP (Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) for STI Prevention
DoxyPEP is a newer strategy being explored for preventing bacterial STIs like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. This approach involves taking 200 mg (two 100 mg pills) of doxycycline 24 to 72 hours after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of these infections. While not yet a standard practice, DoxyPEP is showing promise in studies and may become a useful tool in STI prevention.
- Regular Testing and Communication:
Routine testing for HIV and STIs is crucial for maintaining sexual health. Regular testing helps in early detection and treatment, preventing complications and transmission to others. Open and honest communication with sexual partners about STI status, testing, and protection methods is also key to fostering trust and safety in relationships.
Treatment: Managing STIs
For those diagnosed with an STI, early treatment is essential. Many STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be cured with antibiotics. Others, like herpes and HIV, cannot be cured but can be managed effectively with antiviral medications.
For HIV, adhering to ART not only improves the health of the individual but also prevents the transmission of the virus to others. For bacterial STIs, completing the prescribed course of antibiotics and avoiding sexual activity until the infection is cleared is crucial to prevent reinfection and spreading the infection to others.
Embracing Sexual Wellness
Sexual wellness is a lifelong journey that involves education, communication, and proactive health management. By understanding the risks, embracing prevention methods like PrEP and PEP, and seeking regular testing and treatment, we can take charge of our sexual health.
This September, let’s honor Sexual Health Awareness Month by prioritizing our sexual wellness, supporting our partners, and advocating for the health and safety of our communities. Remember, taking care of your sexual health is an act of self-respect and love — for yourself and others.
DAP Health has three sexual wellness clinics (in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Indio). For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please visit daphealth.org or call 760.992.0492.