Health

PrEP is a highly effective method of preventing HIV by taking a daily pill or a 2+1+1 situational schedule. You can enroll in the program by contacting us for an initial assessment and blood tests. Most people do not experience side effects, but some may experience mild nausea in the first few days. PrEP does not interact with alcohol, but it is important to follow the dosing schedule for maximum protection.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an emergency treatment that must be started within the first 72 hours after a risk of exposure to HIV. The sooner the better. Contact us immediately or go to the nearest HIV prophylaxis center to receive treatment that can prevent the infection from occurring.

With us you have access to free and anonymous testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. If you need information about prevention methods (such as PrEP), ARV treatment or counseling after a diagnosis, our team is at your disposal with updated information and specialized medical support, without judgment or prejudice. The working hours for beneficiaries are Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 17:00

Absolutely. Confidentiality is the central pillar of our program. Any information about your health, sexual orientation or gender identity remains strictly confidential. We only work with specialists who have signed confidentiality agreements and are trained to respect the privacy of our beneficiaries, ensuring a safe space for consultations. Moreover, over 90% of the program's services are provided anonymously based on the beneficiary's unique identifier/card

If you have had a negative experience in a public or private medical institution because of your identity, it is important to document the case. Note the name of the doctor, the institution, the date and the context of the incident. Contact us immediately at [email protected]. We can help you with psychological support to overcome the trauma and, together with our legal team, we can file official complaints with the hospital administration or the Equality Council.

Yes. Mental health is a priority, given the minority stress faced by LGBT+ people. The program offers access to psychologists who understand the specifics of the community and who can support you in processes of self-acceptance, management of anxiety or depression. To set up an initial session you must contact us at the phone number 022 288 861

Although the Moldovan medical system has limitations, within the program we offer guidance for trans people. We can direct you to specialists (endocrinologists, psychologists) who have experience working with trans people and who can help you safely go through the medical stages. For an individualized consultation on the available options, contact us with confidence.

All counseling services, HIV and other STI testing, PrEP, ART, Prevention Tools, etc. offered directly by GDM are free for community members. Therefore, their costs are fully covered by the GENDERDOC-M Information Center through the projects and grants we implement. Our goal is that financial barriers do not stand in the way of your health.

Pain should not be a normal part of sex. To prevent discomfort, we recommend using a generous amount of water-based or silicone lubricant and progressive muscle relaxation. Also, proper hygiene (enema) should be done with lukewarm water, without high pressure or irritating substances. If the pain persists, we can schedule you to see a friendly proctologist specialist, who will check for fissures or other medical causes.

We offer access to tests for HIV, Syphilis and hepatitis (B and C). The tests used are state-of-the-art, highly accurate and safe. The result for rapid tests is ready in approximately 15-20 minutes. Testing is not painful, it only involves a small prick of the finger.

We understand the need for discretion or lack of time. There is the option to receive a self-test to do yourself at home or we can meet in a neutral location, through our mobile teams.

While condoms are the only barrier against many STIs, there are alternatives to reduce your risk. You can use PrEP to prevent HIV and talk to us about DoxiPEP (using an antibiotic after sex to prevent syphilis or chlamydia). Regular testing every 3-6 months with your partners is also an essential method of protection.

We have a database of "LGBTI-friendly" specialists who have been trained by us or with whom we have been collaborating for a long time. Whether you need a proctologist for anal pain or a gynecologist for reproductive health, write to us and we will schedule you with a doctor where you can talk openly about your sex life.

Science is advancing rapidly. Injectable PrEP (administered once every few months) and drugs like Lenacapavir are cutting-edge solutions that are gradually appearing in our region. Injectable PrEP or Lenacapavir? The GDM team has already succeeded in introducing injectable PrEP into the National Clinical Protocol. We are currently actively advocating for its acquisition and estimate that it will become accessible to beneficiaries within a year. We will inform you as soon as it becomes available within the program.

For men who have sex with men (MSM), we offer access to the Androflor complex test (urethral swab). This is an advanced diagnostic method that identifies a wide range of bacteria and infections that do not show up in regular tests. GDM offers referral to a partner private medical center, where we pay the full cost of the test.

We do not leave you alone at any stage. If the result indicates an infection, the Health Program offers you a free consultation with a specialized dermatovenerologist. Moreover, to ensure that you recover completely, the organization procures and provides you with the necessary treatment (medications) prescribed by the doctor, all at no cost to you.

Yes, within the Health Program we organize a support group dedicated to people living with HIV. This is a safe and confidential space where you can meet people with similar experiences, receive emotional support and discuss freely about challenges related to diagnosis, treatment or social life.

Participation in the group is voluntary and free. To maintain the safety and privacy of all members, access is through a prior discussion with the program coordinator or our psychologist. Write to Grigore at [email protected] to find out details about the next meeting.

You will not go through this alone. We offer step-by-step support for newly diagnosed people. We help you get quickly enrolled in ARV (antiretroviral) treatment and accompany you to the necessary medical facilities to ensure you receive the right care in a friendly environment.

Yes, our support is ongoing. We stay with you to help you adhere to treatment, manage any side effects, and maintain your emotional health. Our goal is to help you achieve an undetectable level of the virus, which means a long, healthy life and zero risk of transmission (I=I).

Yes. We understand that addictions to new psychoactive substances, chemsex, can be coping mechanisms for stress or trauma. The Health Program provides a safe space where you can discuss these challenges without being judged. We can direct you to addiction specialists and support groups that understand the specific context of LGBT+ people.

Yes, our support is ongoing. We stay with you to help you adhere to treatment, manage any side effects, and maintain your emotional health. Our goal is to help you achieve an undetectable level of the virus, which means a long, healthy life and zero risk of transmission (I=I).