PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medical treatment that helps prevent HIV infection. By taking a daily pill containing HIV medications, an HIV-negative individual can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring the virus upon exposure. PrEP is particularly effective for those at higher risk, including men who have sex with men (MSM), individuals with HIV-positive partners, or those engaging in activities with higher transmission risks, such as chemsex or needle-sharing.

When taken correctly (daily dosing), PrEP is over 99% effective. While it offers robust protection against HIV, it is crucial to combine PrEP with regular testing for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as it does not protect against them.

Although PrEP is a powerful tool against HIV, combining it with other methods enhances overall safety:

• Condoms: Also protect against other STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable): An HIV-positive person on effective treatment with undetectable viral levels cannot transmit HIV through sex.
• PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): Used within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure to prevent the virus from taking hold.

Combining prevention strategies and having regular, open conversations with partners about health and risks are key to maintaining a safe and healthy sex life.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus that targets the body’s immune system, specifically CD4 cells, which are essential for protecting the body against infections. HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Common modes of transmission include:

• Unprotected sex with an HIV-positive individual.
• Sharing injection needles.
• Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or breastfeeding (without treatment).

HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact, such as hugging or sharing food and drinks.

1. Acute Infection: Flu-like symptoms may appear 2–4 weeks after exposure (e.g., fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes).
2. Chronic HIV Infection: The virus levels are low, but it gradually weakens the immune system. This stage can last for years without symptoms.
3. AIDS: Without treatment, HIV progresses to AIDS, severely damaging the immune system and increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis.

• Testing: HIV is diagnosed through blood tests or rapid tests that detect antibodies to the virus.
• Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses viral levels, prevents immune system damage, and eliminates the risk of transmission (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable).

• Condoms: Highly effective protection during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
• PrEP: A daily medication for people without HIV to prevent infection.
• PEP: Emergency treatment that must be started within 72 hours after potential exposure.
• Testing During Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals with HIV can prevent virus transmission to their child with proper treatment.

With appropriate treatment, living with HIV today means leading a long, healthy life without transmitting the virus during unprotected sex.

Gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia are common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can have serious consequences if left untreated. Therefore, they are included under special protective rules in the Swedish Communicable Diseases Act (2004:168). This law mandates that individuals diagnosed with any of these infections must participate in contact tracing to prevent further transmission.

Contact tracing involves identifying and notifying individuals who may have been exposed to an STI by someone who has been diagnosed. The main goals are to break the chain of transmission, reduce the spread, and facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.
This process typically includes:

• The diagnosed person providing information about past and current sexual partners.
• Healthcare professionals assisting in contacting these individuals so they can get tested and, if necessary, treated.

Contact tracing is conducted under strict confidentiality. Health personnel may notify contacts without disclosing the identity of the source. This ensures privacy and encourages participation.

1. Center for Sexual Health: Claesgatan 7, Malmö
2. Youth Clinics: (for ages 20-25)
3. Specialized Clinics in Lund, Helsingborg and Kristianstad

Residents of Skåne can order free home tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea through 1177.se.

Prioritize your sexual health by staying informed, practicing safe sex, and getting tested regularly!

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, with type 1 (HSV-1) mainly affecting the mouth and type 2 (HSV-2) the genitals. Both can be transmitted to any area through contact with sores or blisters.

• Painful blisters or sores around the mouth, genitals, or anus
• Recurring outbreaks

While there’s no cure, antiviral medications can reduce outbreak frequency and severity.

HPV is a group of viruses transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, oral sex, and skin-to-skin contact. Some types cause genital warts, while others may lead to cancers like cervical cancer.

• Often asymptomatic
• Genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11

Vaccines protect against types 16 and 18 (cancer-causing) and 6 and 11 (warts). Vaccination is included in the national program for children and is available for adults for a fee.

Syphilis is caused by bacteria and spreads through direct contact with sores, typically during anal, vaginal, or oral sex. The incubation period ranges from 10 to 90 days, averaging three weeks.

1. Primary Syphilis (2-8 weeks): A sore develops at the infection site, often painless and healing within six to eight weeks.
2. Secondary Syphilis (3-6 weeks later): Rash on the body, hands, or feet; fever; fatigue; headache. Symptoms subside even without treatment.
3. Tertiary Syphilis (years later): Headache, fatigue, nausea, and nerve pain, sometimes decades after initial infection.

Testing involves blood samples or swabs from sores. Antibiotics, often given as injections, are used for treatment. After early-stage syphilis treatment, regular follow-ups are required.

• Dermatology Clinic, Center for Sexual Health in Malmö
  Location: Claesgatan 7, Malmö
  Services: Offers testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and counseling on sexual health. Testing for diseases covered under Sweden’s Communicable Diseases Act is free for everyone.
• Youth Clinic (for ages 20–25)
  Location: Kattsundsgatan 21, Malmö
  Services: Tailored to individuals under 23 years old, providing free testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Dermatology Clinic for Genital Diseases in Lund
  Location: Skåne University Hospital
  Services: Provides STI testing and sexual health counseling. Testing for diseases under the Communicable Diseases Act is free.
• Dermatology Clinic for Sexual Health in Helsingborg
  Location: Helsingborg Hospital
  Services: Offers testing and treatment for various STIs, including HIV and chlamydia.
• Noaks Ark Mosaik in Malmö
  Services: Specializes in HIV testing and provides support related to HIV and other STIs.