What are the steps that can be taken by MALES to prevent STIs/HIV?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, can affect anyone who is sexually active. However, there are several important steps men can take to reduce their risk and protect both themselves and their partners.
The most important step is maintaining a mutually faithful relationship with one uninfected partner. Being responsible and informed about sexual health plays a major role in prevention.
Using condoms correctly and consistently during sexual activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of STIs and HIV, especially during casual or multiple-partner sexual encounters. Condoms provide protection not only against HIV, but also against infections such as gonorrhoeae, chlamydia, and syphilis.
Men should also avoid high-risk behaviours such as sharing needles or syringes for drug use, as HIV and Hepatitis can spread through blood. Excessive alcohol and recreational drug use may impair judgement and lead to unsafe sexual practices.
Regular sexual health check-ups are equally important, particularly for individuals with multiple partners or those engaging in unprotected sex. Many STIs may not show symptoms in the early stages, and early detection allows timely treatment while preventing transmission to others.
Today, effective medical options are also available to prevent HIV infection. Individuals who may have been exposed to HIV through unprotected sex or other high-risk exposure can seek Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), which is a short course of medication that should ideally be started within 72 hours of exposure. In Sri Lanka, this service is available through the National STD/AIDS Control Programme and selected healthcare institutions.
For individuals who are at ongoing higher risk of HIV exposure, such as those with multiple sexual partners, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) may also be considered under medical guidance. PrEP is a preventive medication taken before potential exposure to significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection.
In addition, vaccination against infections such as Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can provide further protection. Open communication between partners about sexual health and STI testing is also encouraged.
Prevention ultimately comes down to awareness, responsible decision-making, and practicing safe sexual behaviours.
Taking care of sexual health, seeking medical advice when needed, and having open conversation with partners are important steps in preventing STIs and HIV, Simple precautions can make a big difference in staying healthy and protecting others.
What are the steps that can be taken by FEMALES to prevent STIs/HIV
Women can take several important steps to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
The most effective prevention method is practicing safe sexual behaviour, including maintaining a mutually faithful relationship with an uninfected partner. For women with higher risk exposure, such as those with multiple partners or partners of unknown STI status, consistent and correct use of condoms remains essential, as it significantly reduces the risk of infection.
Open communication with partners about sexual health is also an important preventive step. Discussing STI and HIV status, as well as previous testing history, allows both partners to make informed and responsible decisions and helps reduce the risk of unknowingly transmitting infections. Encouraging mutual testing builds trust and strengthens protection within relationships.
Regular sexual health screening is equally important, as many STIs may not show symptoms in the early stages. In addition, routine cervical screening with a Pap smear is essential for women, as it helps detect early changes in the cervix caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), allowing timely treatment and prevention of cervical cancer.
Women should also avoid sharing needles or engaging in any behaviour that increases exposure to infected blood.
A very important aspect of HIV prevention in women is prevention of mother-to-child transmission. HIV and certain other infections can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. However, with early detection and proper medical care, this risk can be reduced to very low levels. This is achieved through antenatal screening, antiretroviral treatment when needed, safe delivery planning, and appropriate infant feeding guidance, under the care of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Today, prevention options such as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) are also available for those at risk and should be considered under medical guidance.
Vaccination against Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) provides additional long-term protection against important sexually transmitted infections and related cancers.
Ultimately, empowering women with knowledge, access to healthcare, and safe sexual health practices is key to preventing STIs and HIV.
What should be done if anyone is suspecting that He / She is having a STI?
If a person suspects that they may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), the most important step is not to ignore symptoms or delay seeking medical advice.
Early consultation with a qualified healthcare professional or a sexual health clinic is strongly recommended. It is important to visit the nearest STI clinic in your area or visit the National STI/AIDS Control Program (NSACP) for early diagnosis and prompt treatment. This is important because many STIs may present with mild or no symptoms, but can still lead to complications and be transmitted to others.
Self-medication or taking antibiotics without medical supervision should be avoided, as it may lead to incomplete treatment and antibiotic resistance.
Sexual contact should be avoided until proper evaluation and treatment are completed, in order to prevent possible transmission to partners.
Confidential testing services are available in Sri Lanka through healthcare facilities and digital health platforms. Individuals can also seek support via the Sri Lankan online sexual health platform Know4Sure, which provides confidential counselling, information, and access to self-testing options, including delivery of test kits through courier services where available.
Once diagnosed, completing the full course of treatment is essential, even if symptoms improve early. Partner notification and treatment, where necessary, is also important to prevent reinfection and further spread.
Follow-up after treatment is advised to ensure complete recovery.
Overall, early testing, timely treatment, and responsible sexual behaviour are key to preventing complications and controlling the spread of STIs.
What should NOT be done by an individual infected with STI/HIV or suspected of infection?
If a person suspects or is diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or HIV, there are certain important behaviours that should be avoided to prevent complications and further transmission.
Firstly, individuals should not ignore symptoms or delay seeking medical advice. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, and postponing care can lead to worsening infection and long-term health complications.
Self-medication, especially taking antibiotics without a prescription, should be avoided. Inappropriate or incomplete treatment can mask symptoms, delay correct diagnosis, and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
It is also important not to continue unprotected sexual activity while symptomatic or before medical clearance, as this can transmit the infection to sexual partners, even when symptoms are mild or absent.
Individuals should not share needles or any sharp instruments, as this can spread blood-borne infections, including HIV and Hepatitis.
Stigma, fear, or embarrassment should not prevent a person from seeking care. Many STIs are treatable, and HIV is a manageable long-term condition with effective treatment.
It is also not advisable to rely on unverified information or non-medical remedies from informal sources, as this may delay effective treatment.
For individuals diagnosed with HIV, adherence to antiretroviral therapy is essential. Regular follow-up, including monitoring of viral load and ongoing clinical assessment, should be done as advised by the treating STI clinic or the National STD/AIDS Control Programme. This ensures effective viral suppression, improved health outcomes, and reduced risk of transmission to others.
Confidential testing and care are available in Sri Lanka through healthcare services and platforms such as the Know4Sure, which provide counselling, testing support, and guidance.
Overall, avoiding delay in care, self-medication, risky sexual practices, and discontinuation of treatment, along with maintaining regular follow-up in HIV care, are key to preventing complications and controlling the spread of STIs and HIV.
By Dr. Amila Dolawatta
Master of Sexual Health, University of Colombo, MD (St. Petersburg, Russia)
