1. HIV Prevention Pills
- PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
- Drug Names: Truvada, Descovy
- Use: Taken daily to prevent HIV infection.
- Effectiveness: ~99% effective at preventing HIV from sex when taken consistently.
- Who Should Take It? High-risk individuals (e.g., those with multiple partners, partners of HIV-positive individuals, sex workers).
- PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
- Drug Names: Truvada + Tivicay or other ART drugs.
- Use: Emergency pill regimen taken within 72 hours after potential HIV exposure.
- Effectiveness: Reduces HIV risk significantly if started early.
- Who Should Take It? Anyone who had unprotected sex or potential exposure to HIV.
2. STI Prevention Pills (Non-HIV)
- DoxyPEP (Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
- Drug Name: Doxycycline (antibiotic).
- Use: Taken within 72 hours after sex to prevent bacterial STIs like chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
- Effectiveness: Can reduce risk of bacterial STIs by up to 70%.
- Who Should Take It? Recommended for high-risk groups (e.g., MSM, sex workers).
- HIV Vaccine (Experimental)
- Status: No fully effective vaccine yet, but research is ongoing.
3. HPV Prevention
- HPV Vaccine (Gardasil 9)
- Use: Prevents HPV strains that cause genital warts and cancers (cervical, anal, throat).
- Effectiveness: Near 100% if taken before exposure.
- Who Should Take It? Recommended for all individuals before sexual activity (typically in adolescence, but adults can get it too).
4. Hepatitis Prevention
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Use: Prevents Hepatitis B, an STI that affects the liver.
- Effectiveness: Highly effective in preventing HBV.
- Who Should Take It? Everyone, especially those at risk of STIs.
These are the primary oral or injectable options for STI prevention.