PEPSE (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis after Sexual Exposure)

PEPSE stands for Post-exposure prophylaxis after Sexual Exposure, which means giving medication to stop someone getting HIV if they may be at risk from sexual exposure in the last 72 hours.

How to access PEPSE

PEPSE is an emergency. Please call the clinic urgently and ask for an urgent appointment. If the clinic is closed, please go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department.

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PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV is the use of medications, either daily, or as and when needed, to prevent HIV from sexual exposure. To discuss this with a nurse or a doctor, please contact the clinic.

Before starting PrEP, you will need some baseline blood and urine tests, and a baseline STI screen. We will also offer you vaccinations if you require them.

If you are concerned that you might have any of these symptoms above or if you feel worried about something else, come and see us. The sooner you do, the better you’ll feel!

Please click below for more information on PrEP:

Call us to book an appointment
020 8887 4510

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Safe sex
‘Safer sex’ usually refers to having sex to reduce risks of catching an STI. Sex should be an enjoyable activity, but it can still put you at risk in several ways.

As sex involves being intimate with another person, it may allow infections to pass from one person to another. Other risks to think about include pregnancy, emotional consequences and legal issues.

‘Safer sex’ guidelines are there to help as sex can never be completely without any risk at all. However, taking a few sensible precautions can reduce the risks greatly.

Condoms
The most commonly used barrier method is the male condom. Other options are female condoms and dental dams. A dental dam is a sheet of latex (or similar material) used during oral sex to help stop STIs being spread.

Condoms have been shown to reduce the risk of passing on STIs such as:

They are not completely guaranteed to prevent any risk but they do greatly reduce the risk. Latex condoms are the most effective but for those who are sensitive or allergic to latex, condoms made of polyurethane are also available and will help to reduce the risk of picking up an STI.

At ECHO, we offer free condoms. They are also available in some GP surgeries. Condoms can also be bought from pharmacies. Consider always having a condom with you ‘just in case’

The use of drugs or alcohol can also result in unsafe sex. For example:

  • being drunk or high can cause you to do sexual things that you wouldn’t normally want to do
  • mixing sex with drugs and alcohol can increase your risk of unintended pregnancy and STIs
  • if you have sex with someone who is drunk or high, it could be considered sexual assault

If you feel you are putting your sexual health at risk, then please come and see one of our health professionals.

Please click here for more information on safe sex. Or for more information on alcohol, drugs and sex, follow the links below: