Question 1

What is PrEP?

Accepted Answer

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a medication taken by people who do not have HIV to reduce their risk of getting HIV. When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%, and among people who inject drugs, by at least 74% (CDC, 2023).

PrEP is available in oral and injectable options. These options give individuals choices based on their lifestyle, health needs, and provider recommendations.

PrEP does not protect against other STIs or pregnancy, so using condoms and getting tested regularly are still important parts of safer sex.

If you would like to know more about how to get PrEP, reach out to our PrEP navigator by texting us at (406) 201-9814 or email us at support@montanaqueeralliance.org.

Question 2

What is PEP?

Accepted Answer

PEP stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a short-term course of HIV medication taken after a possible exposure to HIV, to help prev98ent infection. PEP must be started within 72 hours (3 days) after the potential exposure, and the sooner, the better. After 72 hours, PEP is no longer effective 
(CDC, 2022).

PEP involves taking antiretroviral medications for 28 days, and it is intended for emergency situations — such as after unprotected sex with someone who may be HIV-positive, condom failure, or a possible exposure through sharing needles or a sexual assault (HIV.gov, 2023).

PEP is not a substitute for ongoing HIV prevention like PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). If someone frequently finds themselves at risk for HIV, they should talk to a healthcare provider about switching to PrEP.

If you are needing PEP, you can head into your local Urgent Care or walk in clinic at your local Federally Qualified Health Center. If you would like assistance with any of this process, please reach out to our PrEP Navigator at (406) 201-9814, or email us at support@montanaqueeralliance.org. We have people who are happy to guide you through the process.

Question 3

What is DoxyPEP?

Accepted Answer

DoxyPEP stands for Doxycycline Post Exposure Prophylaxis. It is an emerging STI prevention tool that empowers people to take charge of their sexual health. Taken shortly after condomless sex, DoxyPEP can help prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, syphilis, and in some cases, gonorrhea.

Research shows that DoxyPEP is highly effective for cisgender men who have sex with men and some transgender women, with studies supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH, 2023) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023) showing a significant reduction in STI risk when used as directed. It offers a proactive option for individuals who experience frequent STI exposures and want more tools to stay healthy.

While research is ongoing, especially for transgender men and cisgender women, many people are already benefiting from DoxyPEP as part of a personalized prevention plan developed with their provider. For example, a randomized clinical trial of cisgender women in Kenya did not show a significant benefit, likely due to low adherence (PubMed, 2023). There are currently no published clinical trials evaluating DoxyPEP in transgender men (CDC, 2024).

DoxyPEP is part of a growing toolkit for sexual health, alongside testing, vaccination, PrEP, and condoms, and reflects a shift toward prevention that centers choice, autonomy, and well-being.

If you had additional questions about how to access DoxyPEP, please speak to your healthcare provider or reach out to our PrEP Navigator by texting us at (406) 201-9814, or email us at support@montanaqueeralliance.org

Question 4

What is HIV/AIDS?

Accepted Answer

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically CD4 cells (T cells), which help the body fight infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the most advanced stage of the infection (CDC, 2023).

HIV is transmitted through certain body fluids such as blood, semen, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk from a person who has HIV. The most common ways HIV is passed are through unprotected sex and sharing injection drug equipment. HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact like hugging, sharing food, or using the same toilet (HIV.gov, 2023).

There is no cure for HIV, but it can be controlled with proper medical care. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps people with HIV live long, healthy lives and reduces the amount of virus in the body to levels that are undetectable. This means the virus cannot be transmitted to sexual partners, a concept known as U=U or Undetectable equals Untransmittable (NIH, 2023).

Thanks to advances in testing, treatment, and prevention, HIV is a manageable condition for those who have access to care. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, or it has been a while since you've been tested, please schedule a free and discreet STI testing appointment under the "Get Tested" below.

Question 5

What is Syphilis?

Accepted Answer

Syphilis is a common and curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria called Treponema pallidum. It spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as through skin to skin contact with a syphilis sore. It can also be passed from a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth (CDC, 2024).

Syphilis develops in stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary, and symptoms can vary at each stage and sometimes there are no symptoms at all. In the early stages, it often causes painless sores or rashes that may go unnoticed. Without treatment, the infection can cause serious health problems like blindness, organ damage, or neurological issues, even years later (HIV.gov, 2023).

The good news is that syphilis is easily treated and cured with antibiotics. The sooner it is diagnosed and treated, the better. Regular STI screening is especially important because syphilis can spread even when no symptoms are present.

If you test positive for syphilis, it is important to let your recent partners know so they can get tested and treated too. If you think you may have come in contact with Syphilis or would like to get testing, schedule your free and discreet rapid testing appointment using our "Get Tested" link below.

Question 6

What is Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It spreads when blood from a person with the virus enters the bloodstream of someone who is not infected. The most common way it spreads today is through sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. It can also be passed through unregulated tattoos or piercings, and less commonly through sex, especially among men who have sex with men or people living with HIV (CDC, 2023).

Many people with hepatitis C do not have symptoms and may not know they are infected. When symptoms do appear, they may include fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, nausea, or joint pain. If left untreated, hepatitis C can cause serious liver problems such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

The good news is that hepatitis C is curable. New antiviral medications can eliminate the virus from the body in 8 to 12 weeks with few side effects. Testing is quick and simple, and everyone age 18 and older should be tested at least once, or more often if at higher risk (HHS, 2023).
If you test positive, your provider can help you access treatment and protect your liver health.

If you would like to get tested for Hepatitis C, please schedule a free and discreet rapid testing appointment by clicking our "Get Tested" link below.

Question 7

What is Gonorrhea?

Accepted Answer

Gonorrhea is a common and treatable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. Gonorrhea can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat, and it often spreads without causing symptoms—so many people do not know they have it (CDC, 2023).

Genital Gonorrhea

In people with a penis, genital gonorrhea may cause burning during urination, discharge from the penis, or pain or swelling in the testicles. In people with a vagina, it can cause increased vaginal discharge, painful urination, bleeding between periods, or pelvic pain. Left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause long term pain or infertility. Testing for this requires a urine sample given at a health care facility.

Oral Gonorrhea

Oral gonorrhea affects the throat and is usually passed through oral sex. Most people with oral gonorrhea do not have symptoms, but some may experience a sore throat, swollen glands, or a mild infection that feels like a cold. Even without symptoms, the infection can still be passed to others. Testing for this requires an oral swab from a nurse or provider in a medical facility.

Anal Gonorrhea

Anal gonorrhea can occur from receptive anal sex or contact with infected fluids. Symptoms can include rectal pain, discharge, itching, soreness, or bleeding. Like oral gonorrhea, it can also go unnoticed if symptoms are mild or absent. Testing for this requires an anal swab either performed by the patient or a nurse inside a health care facility.

How is Gonorrhea treated?

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics, usually as a single injection. However, some strains of gonorrhea have become resistant to common medications, so follow up testing may be needed to make sure the infection is gone.

Testing is fast and easy—often just a urine test or swab of the throat, genitals, or rectum. The CDC recommends regular screening for people who are sexually active, especially men who have sex with men, people with multiple partners, and anyone with a history of STIs.

Please reach out by texting us at (406) 201-9814 or send us an email at support@montanaqueeralliance.org on ways to find affordable testing in Helena or your area.

Question 8

What is Chlamydia?

Accepted Answer

Chlamydia is one of the most common and curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs), caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. Chlamydia can affect the genitals, rectum, and throat, and often has no symptoms, especially in the early stages (CDC, 2023).

Genital Chlamydia

In people with a penis, symptoms may include discharge, burning during urination, or pain or swelling in the testicles. In people with a vagina, it may cause abnormal vaginal discharge, painful urination, bleeding between periods, or pelvic pain. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause long term reproductive health problems, including infertility. Testing for this is usually a urine sample or a swab of the potential infected area.

Oral Chlamydia

Chlamydia can infect the throat through oral sex. Most people with oral chlamydia do not have symptoms, but some may experience a sore throat, hoarseness, or mild irritation. Even without symptoms, oral chlamydia can still be passed to others.

Anal Chlamydia

Chlamydia can also infect the rectum, often through receptive anal sex. Symptoms may include rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding, though many people have no symptoms at all. Regular screening is important because untreated anal chlamydia can lead to further health issues.

How is Chlamydia treated?

Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics, usually taken by mouth. It is important to take all medication as prescribed and avoid sex until treatment is complete to prevent spreading the infection to others.

Since chlamydia is often silent, routine testing is recommended for anyone who is sexually active, especially people under 25, men who have sex with men, and anyone with new or multiple partners. Getting tested is quick, painless, and available at most clinics. Please text us at (406) 201-9814 or email us at support@montanaqueeralliance.org

HIV/STI Prevention FAQ's

What is PrEP?

What is PEP?

What is DoxyPEP?

What is HIV/AIDS?

What is Syphilis?

What is Hepatitis C?

What is Gonorrhea?

What is Chlamydia?

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