Free Module 10 · STIs and Urology

HIV and hepatitis

Author and medical review: Dr. Leonardo Romeo, urologist (physician) · Last updated:

1

Introduction

Learning objectives
  • Understand why early diagnosis of HIV is essential.
  • Know the biomedical strategies for HIV prevention (PrEP and PEP).
  • Recognize the importance of vaccination in preventing hepatitis B.
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Video lesson

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Video pending upload (embedded YouTube)
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Summary

A consultation for an STI is an opportunity to assess the risk of other transmissible infections.

HIV

HIV infection can remain asymptomatic for long periods.

Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin and reduces complications and transmission.

Depending on the clinical and epidemiological context, testing should be offered or considered.

Prevention

In addition to condoms, there are now biomedical HIV prevention strategies such as:

PrEP: pre-exposure prophylaxis for people with an indication.

PEP: post-exposure prophylaxis, which should be started as soon as possible after a relevant exposure and within the recommended window.

Hepatitis B

It can be transmitted sexually.

Vaccination is a fundamental prevention tool.

Hepatitis C

Sexual transmission is less efficient than for hepatitis B or HIV, but it can occur, especially in certain contexts and practices.

Key concept

Diagnosing an STI should prompt consideration of other shared exposures.

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PDF

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5

Practical algorithm

  1. Urethral discharge + dysuria → think of urethritis → gonococcus/Chlamydia among the main causes.
  2. Painless genital ulcer → consider syphilis.
  3. Painful vesicles or ulcers → consider genital herpes.
  4. Anogenital warts → consider HPV/condylomata.
  5. Epididymal pain in a sexually active patient → consider STIs depending on age and context, but rule out torsion in an acute scrotum.
  6. Diagnosis of an STI → consider testing for other STIs + partner management + prevention.
  7. Recent high-risk HIV exposure → promptly assess the indication for PEP.

An STI is not managed only by treating the patient. The approach includes correct diagnosis, screening for coinfections when appropriate, partner management and prevention of further transmission.

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Clinical case

Content pending upload Progressive clinical case focused on decision-making.
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Self-assessment

Questions pending upload 5–10 multiple-choice questions on this lesson.
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References

Links pending upload References to PubMed, DOI, scientific society guidelines and journals.

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