Prevention

For Appointments Call (619) 515-2300
Things happen during Pride. We've got you covered after.

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come prepared.

Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) offers high-quality, affordable health care services tailored to the needs of all individuals in a welcoming and respectful environment.

Get Tested

Walk-in, at-home, or by region

PrEP / PEP

HIV prevention medications

Doxy-PEP

Reduce STI risk after exposure

Schedule a Visit

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Contact Us

Have a question or want to schedule an appointment? Fill out the form below and our team will get back to you.

Prefer to call? Reach us at (619) 515-2300 · Schedule via MyHealthRecord

Get Tested

Multiple options to fit your schedule and comfort level.

Walk-In Testing

At-Home / Mail-In Testing

Testing Locations by Region

Received a positive at-home result? Call (619) 876-4462 to get connected with treatment right away.

Protect Yourself

Evidence-based tools to significantly reduce your risk of HIV and other STIs.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

A daily medication for HIV-negative individuals that is highly effective at preventing HIV transmission. Ask your FHCSD provider if PrEP is right for you.

Taken daily as a pill or as an injectable
Up to 99% effective when taken as directed
Available at all FHCSD primary care clinics
May be covered by insurance or available at low/no cost

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Emergency HIV prevention medication taken after a potential exposure. Must be started within 72 hours — the sooner the better.

Must begin within 72 hours of potential exposure
Taken daily for 28 days
Contact us or visit urgent care immediately
Available at FHCSD urgent care and clinics

Doxy-PEP (Doxycycline PEP)

A single dose of doxycycline taken within 72 hours of condomless sex that can significantly reduce the risk of syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

Effective for cis MSM and trans women
Recommended if you've had syphilis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea in the last 12 months
Well-tolerated; mild side effects possible (nausea, diarrhea)
Read the County fact sheet

Know the Facts

Understanding STIs helps you protect yourself and your partners. Click any condition to learn more.

Note: Nearly half of new STIs in the U.S. occur among people ages 15–24. Many STIs have no symptoms — regular testing is the only way to know your status.

All STIs are treatable with medicine, and many can be cured. Testing is confidential and available at any FHCSD clinic.

HIV
Spread by
Sex, sharing needles
Symptoms
Often none for years; some feel flu-like initially
Diagnosis
Blood test only
Treatment
No cure, but medication keeps the virus undetectable and uninfectious
Prevention
Condoms, don't share needles, PrEP or PEP if at risk
Syphilis
Spread by
Vaginal, anal, oral sex without protection
Symptoms
Four stages with varying symptoms; can be silent
Diagnosis
Blood test
Treatment
Curable with antibiotics if caught early
Prevention
Condoms, regular testing, Doxy-PEP
Chlamydia
Spread by
Vaginal, anal, oral sex without a condom
Symptoms
Usually none; can cause serious infection if untreated
Diagnosis
Urine sample
Treatment
Curable with antibiotics
Prevention
Condoms, regular testing, Doxy-PEP
Gonorrhea
Spread by
Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex
Symptoms
Often none; can lead to infertility if untreated
Diagnosis
Urine or swab test
Treatment
Curable with antibiotics
Prevention
Condoms, regular testing, Doxy-PEP
Genital Herpes
Spread by
Skin-to-skin contact during sex
Symptoms
Some have no symptoms; others get recurring painful sores
Diagnosis
Visual exam of sores or blood test
Treatment
No cure, but medication manages outbreaks
Prevention
Condoms, avoid sex during outbreaks
Hepatitis
Spread by
Sex, blood, or other body fluids
Symptoms
Fatigue, feeling sick; can cause liver damage if untreated
Diagnosis
Blood test
Treatment
Hep C is curable; Hep A & B are preventable by vaccine
Prevention
Vaccines, condoms, don't share needles
Mpox
Spread by
Close skin contact, including during sex
Symptoms
Rash, fever, chills
Diagnosis
Lab test of skin lesion
Treatment
Most recover on their own; no specific treatment required
Prevention
Vaccination, avoid contact with infected individuals
Trichomoniasis (Trich)
Spread by
Sex without a condom
Symptoms
Often none; some have itching or discharge
Diagnosis
Lab test
Treatment
Curable with medication
Prevention
Condoms, regular testing

Ways to Reduce Your Risk

Get tested regularly, even without symptoms
Talk openly with partners about testing status
Use condoms every time you have sex
Take PrEP if you're at risk for HIV
Use dental dams during oral sex
Get vaccinated for Hep A, Hep B, and Mpox
Don't share needles or drug equipment
Use Doxy-PEP after condomless sex

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Schedule an appointment or contact us using the form above, or reach us directly.

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