HIV and STI
Prevention Tools
Taking control of your sexual health starts with being informed and making empowered choices.
HIV and STIs (sexual transmitted infections) are a part of life, and there’s no reason to feel ashamed. Regular testing is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your partner(s). By knowing your status, you can take the necessary steps, whether through treatment or preventive options.
While testing is the only way to confirm HIV, some people experience flu-like symptoms 1-4 weeks after exposure, while others have none.
Signs of possible exposure include:
- If you had sex without a condom.
- If the condom broke during sex.
- If you had sex with someone whose status you did not know.
- If you have sex with someone who exchanges sex for money or drugs.
- If you had sex with someone who has used injection drugs.
- If you have been sexually assaulted.
During this period, HIV may not yet show up on a test but can still be transmitted. If you think you’ve been exposed and develop flu-like symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Symptoms may include:
PrEP for HIV Prevention
Medication taken by HIV-negative individuals to reduce their risk of contracting HIV.
Types of PrEP
- Truvada is for all people at risk through sex or injection drug.
- Descovy is for people at risk through sex, except for people assigned female at birth who are getting HIV from vaginal sex.
- Apretude is for all people at risk through sex or injection drug use.
Reduction in Transmission
- 99% effective at reducing the risk of getting HIV from sex.
- 74% effective at reducing the risk of getting HIV from injection drug use when taken as prescribed.
Guidelines for Taking PrEP
- Get tested for HIV before starting PrEP and retested regularly, as often as every 2 months.
- Take as directed. PrEP is less effective when not taken as according to the prescribed guidelines.
PrEP Usage Frequency
Dependent on routine:
- Daily (in pill form).
- Or every other month (via injection administered by a healthcare provider).
PrEP is Not Intended for the Following Purpose
- PrEP does not protect against STI’s, so be sure to use condoms during sex.
PEP for HIV Prevention
Emergency medicine used to prevent HIV within 72 hours of potentially being exposed.
Reduction in Transmission
- PEP is most effective when taken immediately following an exposure to HIV.
Guidelines for Taking PEP
- If you think you were exposed to HIV, contact your healthcare provider right away.
- Must be started within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV.
- To verify that HIV was successfully prevented, your provider may ask you to be tested one month and three months after completing PEP.
PEP Usage Frequency
- If you are prescribed PEP, you’ll need to take it daily for 28 days. Do not skip doses.
- PEP is only for emergency situations. If you are at ongoing risk for HIV, such as through repeated exposures to HIV, talk to your health care provider about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).
PEP is Not Intended for the Following Purposes
- PEP is not a substitute for regular use of other HIV prevention.
- PEP is not the right choice for people who may be exposed to HIV frequently.
DoxyPEP for STI Prevention
Reduces the chance of contracting an STI up to 72 hours after exposure.
Reduction in Transmission
- 70% effective at reducing the transmission of chlamydia and syphilis.
- 55% – 60% effective at reducing the transmission of gonorrhea.
Guidelines for Taking DoxyPEP
- Must be started within 72 hours after condomless sex.
- If you have symptoms of an STI while taking DoxyPEP or have a known exposure to an STI, contact your healthcare provider.
- It is safe to take PrEP for HIV and DoxyPEP at the same time.
DoxyPEP Side Effects
Most common side effects are:
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Less common side effects are:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hives/rash
- Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
- Low blood counts
DoxyPEP Usage Frequency
- Take two tablets (200mg) that should be taken immediately, up to 72 hours after condomless sex.
- If you have sex again within 24 hours of taking doxycycline, take another dose 24 hours after your last dose.
- Continue regular STI testing every 3 months and when symptoms arise.
- Do not take more than 2 tablets (200mg) every 24 hours. Do not exceed 6 tables (600mg) a week.
DoxyPEP is Not Intended for the Following Purposes
- Is currently not indicated for cisgendered women.
- Does NOT protect against MPOX. HIV or other viral infections.
Condoms
A thin protective barrier used during sex to help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Types of Condoms
- An external condom (male condom) is worn over the penis during sex.
- An internal condom (female condom) is used in the vagina or anus during sex.
Reduction in Transmission
- When used consistently and correctly, wearing a condom is one of the most effective ways to prevent STI transmission.
- 91% effective at reducing HIV for receptive anal sex.
- 80% effective at reducing HIV for vaginal sex.
Guidelines for Wearing Condoms
- Use before genital contact and from start to finish.
- Use a new condom and check for tears or defects.
- If you feel the condom break any time during sex, stop immediately, pull out the penis, take off/out the broken condom, and put on a new condom.
- Use water-based or silicone-based lubricants during to help keep the condom from tearing. Don’t use oil-based lubricants because they can weaken the condom and cause it to break.
Condom Usage Frequency
- Every time you have sex.
Condoms Are Not Intended for the Following Purpose
- Wearing a condom does not remove the need for regular STI testing.
What is Condomless Sex?
- Oral, anal or vaginal sex without the use of a condom or not used for the entire duration of sexual intercourse.
Instructions for Using an External Condom Instructions
- Carefully open and remove the condom from the wrapper.
- Place the condom on the tip of the hard penis. If uncircumcised, pull back the foreskin first.
- Pinch the air out of the tip of the condom. While holding the tip, unroll the condom all the way down the penis.
- After sex but before pulling out, hold the bottom of the condom and carefully pull out the penis.
- Carefully remove the condom and throw it in the trash.
Instructions for Using an Internal Condom Instructions
- Carefully open and remove the condom from the package.
- While holding the condom at the closed end, squeeze the sides of the inner ring together and insert it into the vagina or anus.
- Use your finger to push the inner ring up until it rests against the cervix in the vagina or as far into the anus as it can go.
- Be sure the condom is not twisted. The thin, outer ring should remain outside the vagina or anus.
- Guide your partner’s penis into the opening of the condom.
- After sex, gently twist the outer ring and pull the condom out.
- Carefully throw the condom in the trash after using it one time.
Get informed about HIV Integrated Programs.
Ways to Contact Us
Warmline
312-572-4515
Available 24/7, with messages checked 3-times a day. Messages after 5pm will be returned the next business day.
Walk-ins Welcome
Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center
2020 W. Harrison St. Chicago, IL 60612
312-572-4700
To contact the walk-in STI Screening Clinic, call Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 3:30pm. Same-day HIV/STI services are provided.
Access Line
Schedule an appointment, Monday through Friday from 9am – 5pm. Calls are directed to an available live representative.
English 
Español de México 
العربية 
Polski 
简体ä¸æ–‡ 
English