Sexual health for couples: testing, PrEP and PEP according to the US CDC

If you live in or visit the lifestyle world, looking after your sexual health is not optional: it is part of the etiquette. This guide summarises what the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publish on HIV prevention, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and screening recommendations. It is not personalised medical advice: always consult a health professional.

STIs are common and many go unnoticed

The CDC explains that STIs are very common and that millions of new infections occur in the United States each year. Many cause no symptoms or only mild ones, so you can be infected without knowing it. The good news is that they are preventable and that all those covered on its page can be treated with medicine; some can be cured completely. They spread through vaginal, oral and anal sex, and also through intimate skin-to-skin contact, although the latter is less common.

Condoms

According to the CDC, most condoms are highly effective at preventing HIV and other STIs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. They are less effective against infections spread through sores or cuts, such as genital herpes and syphilis. You can buy them online or in stores and many local clinics hand them out free. At a club, always carry your own.

PrEP: pre-exposure prophylaxis

PrEP is a medicine taken to prevent HIV. The CDC says it is highly effective against HIV from sex and injection drug use when taken as prescribed. You get it from a health professional; talk to your doctor if you have several partners.

PEP: post-exposure prophylaxis

PEP is a medicine taken after a possible exposure. If you may have been exposed in the last 72 hours, contact a health care provider, an emergency room or an urgent care centre right away. Every hour counts.

Testing: how often

The CDC's screening recommendations (last reviewed March 2024) differ by profile. For women aged 13 to 64, HIV testing; for sexually active women under 25, chlamydia and gonorrhea screening; for those 25 and older, only if at increased risk. For men who have sex with men, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV at least annually, and every 3 to 6 months if at increased risk (for example multiple partners or PrEP). For all adults over 18, hepatitis C screening. Cervical screening follows its own schedule (every 3 years for ages 21 to 29). If you have questions about extragenital tests (rectum and throat), ask your doctor: the CDC considers them according to behaviour and exposure.

A simple routine for couples

1. Talk openly about health before each encounter. 2. Use condoms and carry enough. 3. Schedule regular tests, especially with several partners. 4. Note the date of your last test. 5. If a possible exposure occurs, act within 72 hours. 6. Ask a professional about PrEP and vaccines.

If you travel

Plan your tests before you leave and locate an urgent care centre near your lodging. For information in the United States you can call the CDC on 800-232-4636. If you use health insurance or travel insurance, check what it covers.

Etiquette and health

Serious clubs expect you to be responsible. Read our etiquette and consent guide and check the events calendar.

Frequently asked questions

Do condoms protect against everything? Not everything: they are less effective against herpes and syphilis.

What is PEP? A medicine taken after exposure, within the first 72 hours.

How often should I get tested? It depends on your profile; ask your doctor.

Where do I ask? Your health professional or the CDC (800-232-4636).

What to tell your doctor

No long explanations are needed: say you have several partners and ask which tests, vaccines and prophylaxis they recommend. Health professionals are used to this conversation and do not judge. Also ask about vaccines against human papillomavirus and hepatitis B, which are worth reviewing with your doctor, and about what to do if a condom breaks. Keeping a record of test dates saves explaining and helps you decide when to repeat them.

A final reminder

The information in this guide comes from public CDC pages and may change. Always check their website and your doctor before making decisions.

Common myths

One common myth is that a negative test protects you forever: it only reflects the moment it was done. Another is thinking you can tell by looking at someone; STIs cannot be seen and many cause no symptoms, as the CDC reminds us. A third is that PrEP protects against everything: it is for HIV, not other STIs, so condoms remain useful. And a fourth, that talking about health kills the mood; on the contrary, honesty builds trust and makes the night more relaxed for everyone. Keep this guide handy before every trip, and review the CDC pages whenever your circumstances or partners change, because the right testing rhythm is personal and worth revisiting regularly with your doctor. Share results honestly with your partner and with anyone you play with.