Preventative and Wellness Services
Our Innercare HIV team believes in protecting you and your loved ones by providing Preventative and Wellness Services. That is why we can offer STI testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) services, and HIV testing.
Should you need any of these services, our Innercare team is here to help.
STI Testing & Treatment
What’s the difference between STIs and STDs? A Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) is a disease that is spread through any kind of sexual contact. Since many of the most common STDs do not exhibit signs or symptoms at first, they’re now more accurately referred to as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) by most health experts. Even though you may not be experiencing signs or symptoms, the presence of an undetected STI is still harmful to your health. It is also important to understand that some STIs can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
• Getting Tested
Innercare is ready to assist you quickly and confidentially with the information, testing and treatment you need for STIs including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV, and Syphilis.
• What can happen if an STI goes untreated?
If left untreated, an STI can cause serious long-term reproductive damage. Depending on the STI, you could be at increased risk for infertility, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, cancer, miscarriage, and a shorter lifespan.
PrEP
PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medicine taken to prevent getting HIV. PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. PrEP is covered by Medi-Cal and most insurances but can be expensive for those with high co-pays or no insurance. There are many options to help with the cost of PrEP and the Innercare HIV team can assist in making it more accessible and affordable.
PEP
PEP (sometimes called PEPSE) is a combination of HIV drugs that can stop the virus taking hold. It can be used after the event if you’ve been at risk of HIV transmission. To work, PEP must be taken within 72 hours (three days) of possible exposure, for 28 days. It’s meant as an emergency measure to be used as a last resort, such as if a condom fails during sex. Taking PEP will not protect you from other sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancy.
HIV Testing
Practicing safe sex along with getting tested is the best way to take charge of your health. At Innercare, we offer confidential testing, provide culturally competent HIV test counseling, and have a Doctor on staff. We are here for you. At Innercare, we’re dedicated to helping you live your best life by offering expert care.
Need STI testing, PrEP, PEP, or HIV testing?
We can help you, simply call (760) 357-2020 Ext. 11148 and talk confidentially to one of our HIV CARE enrollment specialists today.