Preventing HIV and sexually transmitted infections

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At the FEDERA Health Center, we provide specialist support in sexual health and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STI). We offer individual consultations conducted by experienced physicians – a venereologist and an infectious disease specialist – who will help you keep yourself and your close ones safe. Free consultations at the FEDERA Health Center! We invite you to take free tests for HIV and sexually transmitted infections, as well as to have free consultations with an infectious disease specialist and a venereologist at our Health Center!

We particularly encourage:
• men who have sex with men (MSM),
• transgender and non-binary people,
• sex workers,
• people using psychoactive substances.

We make sure that everyone has equal access to medical care and support.
Contact us and make an appointment – we are here for you! 22 887 81 40
The project is conducted in collaboration with Plan International and the Elton John Aids Foundation.

Venereological consultation / Consultation on sexually transmitted infections (STI)

During this consultation, you can discuss any sexual health-related symptoms or concerns – no matter if you choose to make an appointment with a venereology doctor or an infectious disease specialist. In our Health Center, both specializations cover the same range of services.

The consultation may involve:

alarming symptoms such as burning, itching, pain, skin lesions, unusual discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus,
prevention and treatment of infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, HPV, and others,
interpretation of diagnostic test results,
assessment of risk after sexual contact and planning further steps (including testing and prevention),
preventive vaccinations, i.e. against HPV, Hepatitis A and B,
conversation on sexuality in an individual, partnership, or relational context – non-judgmental and with respect for your boundaries.

The consultation is conducted by a doctor (male or female, depending on availability) who specializes in venereology or infectious diseases. Regardless of the path chosen, the range of care remains the same.

PrEP Consultation (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Infection)

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a safe and effective method of protection against HIV infection. It is based on regular use of antiretroviral drugs by non-infected individuals who are at increased risk of being exposed to HIV.

At the FEDERA Health Center, PrEP consultations are carried out by a doctor specializing in infectious diseases or venereology. Depending on your situation, you can choose:

1. Starting PrEP

This consultation is for individuals who want to start using PrEP. The doctor explains what this form of prophylaxis is based on, discusses its effectiveness, and outlines possible schedules of taking the drug. During the visit, the doctor also determines the patient’s eligibility for PrEP and recommends the relevant tests to ensure a safe start to the therapy. You will also be offered personalized recommendations and provided with answers to any questions about starting PrEP you may have.

List of tests required before starting PrEP:
(You can do some of them earlier – i.e. within the National Health Fund or in an external laboratory – and bring the results to the consultation.)

HIV Test (HIV Ag/Ab Combo) – schecks if you are HIV-negative,
Anti-HCV antibodies – helps detect Hepatitis C,
HBsAg and anti-HBs antibodies – tests related to Hepatitis B virus (HBV),
Creatinine – kidney function test,
ALT and AST – indicators of liver function,
Complete blood count – general assessment of health,
Urine test – urinary system function,
STI Screening (i.e. chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) – depending on medical interview

2. Continuing PrEP

A follow-up visit is for individuals who are already using PrEP and whose health is regularly monitored. The doctor discusses the latest test results, assesses the effectiveness and safety of the therapy, and checks for any side effects. If necessary, they introduce changes to the recommendations or dosage schedule. During the visit, it is also possible to request subsequent prescriptions and receive further support for HIV prophylaxis.

Regular check-ups are essential for ensuring that PrEP remains effective and safe – this is a crucial part of responsible use of this form of protection.

PEP consultation (post-exposure prophylaxis of HIV infection)

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is an antiretroviral treatment that can prevent HIV infection if started up to 72 hours after exposure. The consultation is aimed at individuals who have been exposed to contact that may be associated with the risk of HIV infection – for instance, through unprotected sexual intercourse, contact with blood, skin breakage, etc. During the visit, the doctor conducts a detailed interview, assesses the eligibility for the therapy, recommends the necessary tests, and issues a prescription if PEP appears to be necessary. The doctor also explains how the 28-day treatment works, how to take the prescribed drugs, and what to pay attention to during the treatment. Make an appointment for a PEP consultation as soon as possible is a necessary condition – the effectiveness of PEP decreases by the hour.

Doxy-PEP consultation (antibiotic post-exposure prophylaxis)

DoxyPEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) is a new prophylaxis method that prevents getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and involves taking a dose of antibiotics after potentially risky sexual contact, in order to reduce the risk of bacterial infections, such as syphilis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea.

During the consultation, the doctor informs about how this method works and provides the latest data on its effectiveness and safety. They discuss the health and lifestyle with the consulted person to determine if Doxy-PEP is an appropriate solution. If so, you establish the method of use, and the doctor gives you further recommendations for prevention and health monitoring.

The decision to implement Doxy-PEP is always made individually, based on a thorough assessment of risk and health-related requirements.

Consultation and Diagnostic Point – free tests for HIV, HCV, and syphilis

As part of the collaboration with the Foundation for Social Education (Fundacja Edukacji Społecznej, FES), in the FEDERA Health Center, operates a Consultation and Diagnostic Point (CaDP) where you can have diagnostic tests for HIV, HCV, and syphilis done anonymously, free of charge, and without a prescription.
The tests are done on-site, with full confidentiality, and in a safe, friendly atmosphere. The consultations are carried out by specialists who provide support before and after the test, and, if necessary, indicate further diagnostic or treatment recommendations.

CaDP opening hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday: closed

IMPORTANT: The last person is admitted 30 minutes before the point closes – this allows us to provide high-quality counselling and convenient service.

The point is run by the Foundation for Social Education – an NGO with over 20 years of experience in health education, HIV prevention, and supporting people living with HIV. FES also conducts activities in the fields of mental health, psychosexual health, and counteracting addiction.