Prevention of STIs

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) have fundamentally reshaped HIV prevention and are increasingly integrated into comprehensive sexual health services. As dermatologists and venereologists are often frontline clinicians in the management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), familiarity with biomedical prevention strategies is essential for contemporary practice.

This presentation will provide a clinically focused and evidence-based overview of PrEP and PEP, including indications, eligibility assessment, baseline investigations, follow-up protocols, and safety monitoring. Practical aspects of daily versus event-driven PrEP, optimal timing and regimen selection for PEP, and management of common adverse events will be reviewed.   The session will also address evolving epidemiological trends in Europe, the impact of PrEP programs on STI incidence and screening practices, and the role of dermatology-led STI clinics in early diagnosis and prevention.

Emerging developments, including long-acting injectable PrEP and the expanding discussion around doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP), will be critically appraised.   Particular emphasis will be placed on real-world implementation challenges, including adherence, risk perception, antimicrobial resistance concerns, and equitable access to care. The goal is to provide clinicians with practical tools and clinical confidence to integrate PrEP and PEP effectively into routine dermatology and sexual health practice.

Learning Objectives

• Understand current evidence-based indications, regimens, and monitoring protocols for PrEP and PEP.
• Apply practical clinical decision-making in selecting appropriate candidates and managing follow-up.
• Evaluate the broader impact of biomedical HIV prevention on STI epidemiology and public health strategies.
• Recognise emerging prevention strategies, including long-acting agents and Doxy-PEP, and their clinical implications.