Dr Ismael

Definition

What are STDs?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are generally acquired through unprotected sexual contact. The organisms that cause STDs may pass from person to person in blood, semen, vaginal or other body fluids.

Some such infections can also be transmitted non-sexually, such as from mother to infant during pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding, or through blood transfusions or shared needles.

It's possible to contract STDs from people who seem perfectly healthy — people who, are in fact, not even aware of being infected. Many STDs cause no symptoms in some people, which is one of the reasons experts prefer the term "sexually transmitted infections" to "sexually transmitted diseases.”

How we can Help!

Tests & services

1- The HIV POC (Point of Care) test

The HIV POC test detects antibodies that develop within 3 months after exposure to HIV. Standard HIV antigen-antibody testing is more likely to detect infection during seroconversion, the time during which a person first develops antibodies for HIV. Either test should be repeated 12 weeks after a high-risk exposure.

If you might have had a recent exposure to HIV, contact us immediately.

Do you think you might have been at risk of contracting HIV? At our clinic we offer you the test quickly, confidentially and free of charge. The test is very simple, and takes only a simple painless finger prick. Then within just 20 minutes you will have your results.

If the test result is negative:

This means that no virus antibodies were detected. Despite this, in order to totally rule out a HIV infection at least 3 months should have gone by since the time a person might have been exposed to the virus. However, with the new generation tests, this period can sometimes be shortened. If you have any doubts, we are here to offer you any help and assistance.

If the test result is positive:

Keeping in mind that today antiretroviral treatments enable people with HIV to have a life expectancy and quality of life equal to that of the rest of the population. We offer you the support and counseling you need to deal with this situation in the best conditions. Nevertheless, a positive HIV test result always needs to be confirmed by means of a second test. If the second test result comes out positive as well, then we will be at your side to offer you guidance as to what you need to do from that moment on.

2- How often should you get tested?

If you are a sexually active person, it is advisable that you take the HIV test at least once or twice a year. If you have had several partners or you don’t always use a condom, consider taking the test every 3 months.

An early HIV diagnosis offers many advantages regarding clinical treatment options and how the infection evolves.

Other STIs test that we offer and treat:

Rapid syphilis test.

Chlamydia testing and treatment.

Gonorrhea testing and treatment.

Testing for hepatitis B/C.

Vaccinations

We run a free of benefits and confidential vaccination program for hepatitis A/B and HPV. If you want to get vaccinated, simply ask for an appointment and clarify that you need a vaccine.

PREP-PEP Services (urgent cases)

We offer, since 2015, a regular (or an urgent) service for Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) 24/7. PrEP services can be discussed in a regular appointment.

Services for people living with HIV

We run a comprehensive program of services which cater specifically to people living with HIV, including personalised support and counseling sessions as well as group information sessions. HIV treatment plan is handeled by a trusted Infectious Diseases specialist.

Our STD service ensures equitable access to essential medical products, vaccines and technologies of assured quality, safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness, and their scientifically sound and cost-effective use. There is no difference in gender, religious, sexual orientation, economic status at our clinic. Please respect this sacred rule!

PREP - PEP

What is PrEP - PEP?

PrEP (short for pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a HIV prevention tool. The United States healthcare authorities approved its use in 2012 after a number of studies had demonstrated its safety and efficacy. Since then, other countries around the world have followed suit to make it available to people at higher risk of infection.

What does PrEP consist of?

PrEP is a HIV prevention strategy, where HIV negative people take antiretroviral drugs to reduce their risk of infection. According to the research findings it is NOT 100% effective in preventing HIV transmission in people who use it consistently!

How is it different from PEP?

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is also a HIV prevention strategy for HIV-negative people who take antiretrovirals but in this case they do so after they may have been exposed to the virus. PEP treatment lasts 28 days and is dispensed from the emergency wards of public hospitals. It must be started as soon as possible, preferably within the first 6 hours after exposure and within 72 hours after exposure at the most.

Who is PrEP recommended for?

Experts and regulating bodies such as the WHO (World Health Organisation) and the European Aids Clinical Society (EACS) recommend PrEP for sexually active people who belong to population groups that are most exposed to HIV, with gay men, bisexuals, other men who have sex with men, and transgender women at the top of the list.

What drug is used?

Although studies are underway with other drugs, for now the only drug that has been approved for PrEP goes under the brand name of Truvada. In actual fact it is a tablet that combines two drugs: Emtriva (emtricitabine, also known as FTC) and Viread (tenofovir also known as disoproxil fumarate or TDF).

Does it have side-effects?

The drugs that are used for PrEP are very safe and have a low toxicity profile. The majority of people who use them have not reported side-effects and when these do appear they tend to be mild. Even so, PrEP needs a prescription and must always be taken under a specialist doctor’s supervision to guarantee safety.

And what if I take it on my own?

In countries where PrEP has not been approved yet (INCLUDING LEBANON), some people decide to follow this prevention strategy by themselves either by obtaining drugs on the black market or legally by importing generic drugs for personal use.

If this is your case, at our clinic we can offer you guidance on how to minimise any possible risks that go along with PrEp under these conditions.

PrEP: Short for “pre-exposure prophylaxis,” PrEP is an HIV prevention strategy in which HIV-negative people take an oral pill once a day before coming into contact with HIV to reduce their risk of HIV infection. PEP: Short for “post-exposure prophylaxis,” PEP is an HIV prevention strategy in which HIV-negative people take anti-HIV medications after coming into contact with HIV to reduce their risk of HIV infection.

Only your doctor will know when should you follow these strategies! Contact us for more information.