Abstract
This article aims to present concepts and clinical practices recommended to approach people with active sex life. These concepts are an integral part of the recommendations of the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), published by the Ministry of Health of Brazil in 2020. The article proposes a comprehensive approach to sexuality for health promotion. It presents significant aspects of the communication process that must develop, without prejudice and judgment, focusing on sexual and reproductive health. It also highlights relevant points about the exercise of sexuality at specific stages of life, recommending assessment of risks and vulnerabilities and screening for STI and condom use. In this way, it is possible to contribute to exercise their sexuality fully, responsibly, and safely.
Keywords:
Sexuality; Sexually transmitted infections; Disease prevention; Diagnosis screening programs; Clinical protocols; Surveillance
Highlighted excerpt:
Sexual health is the physical, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing associated with the exercise of sexuality, with sexual and reproductive rights considered fundamental.
Thumbnail
Thumbnail
Thumbnail
Thumbnail
Source: adapted from Rocha et al., 2019
a) HIV: preferably with a rapid test; b) Syphilis: preferably with a rapid test; c) Chlamydia and gonococcus: chlamydia and gonococcal detection through molecular biology. Research according to sexual practice: urine (urethral), endocervix samples, genital secretion. For extragenital samples (anal and pharyngeal ones), use tests to validate such anatomic collection sites; d) Hepatitis B: preferably with a rapid test. We recommend vaccinating everyone susceptible to hepatitis B. Susceptible person is the one who does not have a record of a complete vaccine scheme and presents non-reacting surface antigen for hepatitis B virus (or non-reacting rapid test for hepatitis B); e) Hepatitis C: preferably with a rapid test; f) If the pregnant woman has not carried out tracing in prenatal care, perform a rapid test for hepatitis B at the moment of delivery. Hepatitis B vaccine is safe during pregnancy, and susceptible women must be vaccinated.
