Your privacy is our priority. All consultations and health data are kept strictly confidential and secure.
About Us Counselling services Get Involved FAQs
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our services, privacy, or how Sabrang works? Our FAQ section provides clear, supportive answers to help you navigate your health journey with confidence and ease.

Specific Questions

Stuck on something?
We're here to help with all your questions and
answer in one place.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system. If untreated, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the final stage of HIV infection when the immune system is severely weakened.
Through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, and from mother to child during childbirth. It is not spread through casual contact, hugging, or sharing food.
There is currently no cure for HIV, but it can be controlled with antiretroviral therapy (ART). People living with HIV who take ART daily as prescribed can live long, healthy lives and greatly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
Stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus
It is a virus which damages the immune system
Getting tested is the only way to know if you have HIV
There is no cure for HIV, but on treatment people can live a long and healthy life
Without treatment, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), which can be fatal
There is a treatment called antiretroviral therapy or ART which can help people living with HIV to live a long and healthy life and prevents transmission of the virus.
For some people, flu-like symptoms may appear two to four weeks after infection, however, for some people symptoms may even take several weeks to show in the body.
Getting tested is the only way to know if you have HIV
By destroying the immune system over time, it reduces your body’s ability to fight diseases and illnesses
HIV infects the CD4 cells – a type of white blood cell in the immune system
By attaching itself to the infected CD4 cells, HIV creates copies of itself and spreads in the blood.
For people living with HIV, it is present in some body fluids:
Semen
Vaginal fluid
Blood
Breast milk

HIV is not present in
Saliva
Spit
Urine
HIV infection has three stages:
Acute HIV infection
Chronic HIV infection
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
It is the earliest stage of HIV
Develops usually 2 to 4 weeks after getting exposed to HIV
In this stage, HIV is multiplying and spreading fast
One may show flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, rash)
The risk of transmission is high in this stage
It is important to start treatment as soon as possible to live a healthier life.
It is the second stage of HIV, also called asymptomatic HIV infection
HIV duplication is slow in this stage
People often do not have any symptoms
People in the stage can still transmit HIV others
People who take treatment correctly can prevent transmitting HIV to others through sex, injecting drugs using infected needles and from mother to child.
Stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
When HIV developed into AIDS, it is considered the last and most severe stage of HIV
People with AIDS have a compromised immune system
They are vulnerable to severe illnesses, called opportunistic infections, with tuberculosis being the most common and possibly fatal. Other common OI are fungal infections, such as herpes zoster.
The risk of spread is very high
A person is diagnosed with AIDS when their CD4 cell count reduces to less than 200 cells/mm3 or if they have opportunistic infections
AIDS has no cure
Remember, all people living with HIV do not have AIDS.
If people living with HIV take treatment correctly they may not develop AIDS for several decades.
If someone with HIV is not taking treatment, they are more likely to develop AIDS sooner
The only way to know the stage of illness is to get tested for HIV
HIV weakens the immune system
A weakened immune system is more vulnerable to illnesses, called opportunistic infections
Common opportunistic infections are pneumonia, salmonella, candidiasis, toxoplasmosis, and tuberculosis
Taking HIV treatment correctly is the best way to protect yourself from these infections.
Yes, you’re at a higher risk of getting or transmitting HIV if you have another STD.
HIV can spread from one person to another by:
Having anal or vaginal sex without using a condom with someone who has HIV
Sharing needles (while injecting drugs) with someone who has HIV
A mother with HIV may give it to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding
Receive blood / organ / tissue of a person with HIV

You cannot get HIV through:
Air
Water
Saliva
Sweat
Common toilet sites
Insect bites (mosquitoes etc.)
Casual contact – hugging, kissing, sharing food / utensils, shaking hands
HIV spreads through:
Unprotected anal sex
Unprotected vaginal sex

HIV does not spread through:
Kissing
Hugging
Holding hands
Oral sex

The best way to reduce risk of infection is to ALWAYS use a condom.
Anal or vaginal sex without a condom with partners whose HIV status you don’t know

Sex with multiple / anonymous partners

Sexual violence, rape, or gender-based violence

Having sex while high on drugs / alcohol as it can your increase chances of risky behavior, like having sex without a condom.
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are infections passed through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Symptoms vary but may include unusual discharge, itching, burning during urination, or sores. Many STIs can also be asymptomatic (no symptoms).
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are infections that are primarily spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex between two individuals of same sex or opposite sex as applicable. Some STIs can also be transmitted through blood or from mother to baby during childbirth or breastfeeding.
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Syphilis
• HIV/AIDS
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Genital Herpes (HSV)
• Hepatitis B and C
• Trichomoniasis
Many STIs have no symptoms, especially in early stages.
Except in case of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), when symptoms do appear, they may include:
• Unusual discharge from the penis, vagina, or anus
• Burning during urination
• Genital sores or warts
• Itching or irritation in the genital area
• Pain during sex
• Lower abdominal pain
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are extremely common. Here are some statistics from a global scenario:
• 1 in 10 women in the age group of 16 to 20 have a Chlamydia infection
• 1 in 10 men in the age group of 20 to 24 have a Chlamydia infection
• Syphilis has recently come back with a fifty-fold increase in its prevalence
• More heterosexuals than homosexuals are becoming newly infected with HIV each year
• The incidence of Gonorrhoea, Trichomonas, Hepatitis B, and C have all increased in the last year.
• 1 in 5 sexually active people have Genital Warts and/ or Herpes Type 2 virus
• The age group chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis infections are increasing fastest in is those aged 50 and over.
Yes. Many people with STIs do not show symptoms, which is why regular testing is important, especially if you have multiple partners or are starting a new relationship or you have a relationship with someone you don't know.
It’s not always easy to recognise the signs of an STI in you or your partner. In fact, some STIs have no symptoms at all, so you may not even know you have one unless you get tested, which is why testing is so important.
Most STIs are spread through sex, but some (like HIV, Hepatitis B, or syphilis) can also be spread via:
• Shared needles
• Blood transfusions (rare with modern screening)
• From mother to baby during childbirth or breastfeeding
When you drink or do drugs, it is hard to make safe choices to protect your health and well-being.
Spots could be a local reaction. But if they are painful or developed blisters, it is good to contact Sabrang recommended doctors or a local Sampoorna Suraksha Clinic and get yourself checked out
Diagnosis can be done through:
• Urine tests
• Blood tests
• Swabs from genitals, throat, or anus
• Physical examination by a trained doctor
• Sabrang recommended labs, may be one of them is in your place
• Local clinics or hospitals
• Sexual health clinics
If you’re sexually active, and when you are having multiple sex partners or partners you don't know - it is good to get tested after any such exposure without a condom. Preferably to get tested every three months, even if you don’t have any symptoms but you have high risk bevaiour of having multiple partners. Your partner should also get tested.
• Curable STIs: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis (with antibiotics)
• Treatable but not curable: HIV, herpes, and hepatitis B/C (medications can manage symptoms and reduce transmission risk)
• Use condoms properly during sex (vaginal, anal or oral)
• Get vaccinated (e.g., HPV, Hepatitis B)
• Get regular STI screenings and physical examination
• Communicate openly with sexual partners and encourage visit to a doctor
• Limit the number of sexual partners or use condom in every sex
• Most STIs do not present any signs or symptoms, especially in the first weeks and months following a new infection. They can have significant health consequences in the long term.
• Chlamydia when left untreated can result in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Men can have inflammation of the testes, and prostate and suffer from infertility.
• Syphilis if left untreated can cause heart failure and mental health disorders in the long term.
• HIV can destroy your immune system and can result in opportunistic infections and cancers. It can even be fatal if not treated in a timely manner.
• Hepatitis B and C, over many years, can cause liver failure and may require a transplant.
• It is important to test for STIs regularly so that you can get any treatment that you need.
Condoms significantly reduce the risk of most STIs, but not all. STIs like HPV and herpes can be spread through skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by a condom.
• Follow your doctor recommended treatment and complete the course
• Encourage recent sexual partners and help them to get tested
• Avoid sexual activity until you and your partner have completed treatment
• Use condoms till you complete your treatment
• Normally if the symptoms and signs are gone, you don't need a STI test again
• Get retested if recommended
Unfortunately, yes. Since STIs are very common, and getting tested or treated is a responsible, healthy choice. Open, honest conversations and education are key to reducing stigma.
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is very infectious (100 times more infectious than HIV) and very easily transmitted through unprotected sex or by sharing needles to inject drugs.
At times of sexual arousal or during the normal menstrual period the discharge may vary in consistency. It is good to spot and if it continues for few days with unusual smell or itching, it is better to speak to Sabrang certified doctor online or consult a local doctor. If you have had unprotected sex recently you may have an infection also.
Missing period can be due to several reasons including stress, to be safe, talk to our Sabrang certified doctors online or visit a doctor and ask to be tested for both STIs and pregnancy. It is unlikely that you are either pregnant or have contracted an STI if you used a condom. Occasionally, however, condoms can break.
If you suspect your partner may have had an infection or if you’ve developed a sore throat after oral sex, or if you have unusual mucus/discharge in your mouth, it’s worth visiting a clinician or talking to our Sabrang certified doctors online.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea especially can cause scarring and pelvic inflammatory disease. They often have no symptoms so many people do not realise that they have them. If you are sexually active, you should consider being tested for STIs.
STIs are transmitted by vaginal, anal, and oral sex. STIs are not spread by handshakes, hugs, toilet seats, towels, dishes, telephone receivers, or insect bites.
Certainly, some STIs don’t have symptoms for few days till they complicate. If you think you may have been exposed, see your doctor or talk to Sabrang certified doctors online right away. Also, let your partner or partners know that they are at risk and should be tested, too.
With the exception of hepatitis B, your body does not build immunity to any STI. If your partner is infected, the two of you may pass the STI back and forth unless you both get treated before having sex again. Also, once you've had one STI, you may be more likely to get another.
Many STIs have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, especially in women. Some STIs may have symptoms that go away for a while but then come back. STIs can damage your body, and you can spread them to your partner even if you have no symptoms.
Left untreated, most STIs can lead to serious conditions. They can cause infertility, urinary tract problems, and cancers of the vulva, cervix, vagina, penis, and anus. Some STIs, including syphilis and AIDS, can cause death. No STI is harmless.
If exposed to STIs, women are more likely to become infected than men due to biological factors, because they have a greater area of exposure (the cervix and the vagina), and small tears may occur in the vaginal tissue during sex, providing a pathway for infection. All people who have anal sex are at greater risk of an STI for the same reasons.
Yes. Herpes, syphilis, hepatitis B, HPV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea can be transmitted through oral sex.
Yes. STIs, including HIV, are commonly transmitted through anal sex. Unprotected anal sex carries the highest sexual risk of HIV transmission. The use of condoms with lubricants is the best way to protect against STIs during anal sex.
Genital hygiene is important and a good practice. There is no evidence, however, that washing the genitals prevents STI infection.
There is no such evidence, it may increase the transmission of STI between the clients considering the mucosal surface being very thin for the women before puberty.
The most common STI you can catch during a kiss is Herpes type 1. It most often happens when one person has a cold sore in the corner of their mouth (an active Herpes outbreak) and kisses someone else.
It is possible to catch Syphilis from kissing if one person has a chancre (syphilis sore) at the time of the kiss. Deep kisses among an infected HIV partner can also transmit to another healthy person.
Results for HIV tests are available within one day or maximum one week of your sample's arrival at the laboratory.
No health test can be 100% accurate. Some STIs do not show up right away. But if you think you have an STI, get tested. You may have to go back again to get tested if you test negative. Even if you test negative, keep practicing safe sex. Talk to our Sabrang counsellor if you have concerns.
Please do not worry, we at Sabrang can help you. If you test positive for an STI we will help you to arrange any next steps if you wish.
We can arrange Sabrang certified doctor consultations in person, by telephone, and by video where your doctor can help to get the right medicine for you based on the diagnosis. We also help your partner by counselling them to get tested without giving details of yours or your health conditions.
Men can contract Chlamydia, which is normally passed by having unprotected sexual activity with someone who currently has the infection. Chlamydia often has no symptoms, so anyone might have it currently without knowing, the only way to fully know is to get a sexual health test. Chlamydia can infect your genitals (if you have had vaginal sex or given anal sex), anus (if you have received anal sex), and mouth (if you have given oral sex).
Chlamydia can lead to men developing a burning sensation when urinating, pain during sex, and it can cause your testicles to swell. Chlamydia can lead to reduced fertility in men and you can infect your next partner. So it is really important to get tested.
A man who has a herpes infection may have no symptoms at all, mild symptoms like outbreaks of uncomfortable blisters and which are often itchy, usually around the mouth (called cold sores), or in the genital area.
If you have Herpes, it will remain in your body for your life. There is currently no specific treatment, but there is medication to control the outbreaks as they occur.
An estimated 80% of men carry the Herpes Simplex I Virus (Oral Herpes), while approximately 25% carry HSV II (Genital Herpes). Getting a blood test is the only way to know if you have herpes.
Hepatitis B is a virus which infects the liver. It is one of the most infectious blood-borne viruses (BBVs). It can survive on exposed surfaces, even after cleaning with bleach. As well as unprotected sexual intercourse, infection commonly occurs through the sharing of contaminated needles (e.g. intravenous drug use), accidental injury with a contaminated needle (tattooing, body piercing, or acupuncture), and the sharing of contaminated razors.
Symptoms of an acute Hepatitis B infection in men can include:
• Tiredness
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Darker urine than normal
• Jaundice
If you are worried about Hepatitis B please contact us today.
Hepatitis C is a viral infection. Most men with Hepatitis C will not have any symptoms for several years. You may start to feel tired and lacking in energy. Around three-quarters of all untreated male Hepatitis C patients will develop a long-term condition. Symptoms will start as the infection starts to progress and can include:
• Tiredness
• Aching limbs
• Digestive problems
• Brain fog
If you are worried about Hepatitis C please contact us today.
Syphilis is a potentially life-threatening infection, which can cause serious health complications in men if left undetected and untreated. It is, however, curable with the right treatment.
The first sign that you have Syphilis will usually be the appearance of a Syphilis Sore, or Chancre, in the first few days and weeks following infection. Once this heals, many people with Syphilis will not experience further symptoms for years. However, they remain at risk of developing further stages of Syphilis.
Syphilis is common in gay, bisexual, and straight men. If you are worried about a chancre, please contact us today.
Sex between two men is normally considered by the medical profession to be high-risk. This is because this often includes anal sex. The anus is thinner than the walls of the vagina in women, and so it is more likely to tear during intercourse. If there is a tear in the lining then this means that blood and semen are more likely to mix. This makes it more likely that any infection will be passed on. Particularly from the person giving anal sex to the person receiving it.
Studies have also shown that Men who have sex with Men have more partners and are less likely to use protection. This means that they are more likely to have an STI and therefore pass it on.
HPV or the Human Papilloma Virus, is one of the world’s most common viral STIs. There are over 100 strains of the virus and around 40 of them can be sexually transmitted. Some are particularly high risk for developing cancer, while others are low risk but can be responsible for Genital Warts.
Genital Warts in women most often occur around the labia (the entrance to the vagina) but can occur anywhere that you have had skin-to-skin contact with a wart. They can be hard red bumps and grow to resemble cauliflower. Genital Warts are unsightly, but they can be frozen off. They are also usually caused by a Low Risk strain of HPV.
High Risk HPVs are high risk for causing cancer, particularly cervical cancer in women. A cervical HPV test is recommended every 3 to 5 years for all women or people with a vagina.
Most people with HPV will not have any symptoms, so the only way to know if you have HPV is to get tested. The low risk HPVs can cause Genital Warts.
Women can get Genital Warts. Warts are often small red or pink growths which measure a few millimetres across though, in extreme circumstances, they can grow up to 10cm wide. They can be flat or bumpy, resembling small raspberries or cauliflowers in appearance.
Genital warts can be treated with cryotherapy, creams, and other medications. Some warts may require more than one treatment session.
Genital Warts are a Low-Risk strain of the HPV virus. So although the warts are unsightly they do not mean you are at High Risk of developing cancer from this infection.
Lesbian women are at a low risk of getting an STI from sex with another woman. Some bacterial infections can be passed on through female-only sex, and it is important to check your cervical health regularly to prevent cervical cancer with an HPV test.
Some bacterial infections occur naturally in women and these can be passed on to a partner during sex.
Bisexual women are of a higher risk as statistically men have more partners than women and are therefore more likely to have an STI.
A: STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are infections passed through sexual contact. HIV is one type of STI, but there are many others like syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes. Unlike HIV, many STIs can be completely cured with proper treatment.
A: Yes, STIs like gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and chlamydia can be transmitted through oral sex. Using barriers like condoms or dental dams reduces this risk significantly.
A: No. Many STIs show no symptoms, especially in the early stages. Chlamydia and gonorrhea often have no symptoms but can still cause serious health problems if untreated. Regular testing is important if you're sexually active.
A: Yes. Untreated STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, leading to infertility. In men, some STIs can affect sperm quality. Early treatment prevents these complications.
A: No. STIs can spread through any sexual contact including oral sex, anal sex, genital touching, and sharing sex toys. Some STIs like herpes and HPV can spread through skin-to-skin contact in the genital area.
A: No. This is a common myth. STIs cannot survive outside the human body long enough to be transmitted through toilet seats. They require direct sexual contact or sometimes blood-to-blood contact.
A: If neither of you has had any sexual contact with anyone else and neither has received infected blood, your risk is very low. However, some infections like herpes can be transmitted non-sexually, so testing is still wise.
A: Yes. Women who have sex with women can transmit STIs through sharing sex toys, genital touching, and oral sex. Bacterial vaginosis is also more common among women who have sex with women.
A: Yes. Treatment cures the infection but doesn't provide immunity. You can get the same STI again if exposed. It's important that sexual partners are also treated to prevent reinfection.
A: Yes. Vaccines are available for Hepatitis B and HPV (Human Papillomavirus). The HPV vaccine can prevent cervical cancer and genital warts. These vaccines are most effective when given before becoming sexually active.
A: Yes. Having one STI increases your risk of getting others, including HIV. Some STIs cause sores or inflammation that make it easier for other infections to enter your body.
A: Condoms significantly reduce the risk of most STIs, but they're not 100% effective. STIs that spread through skin contact (like herpes and HPV) can still be transmitted from areas not covered by the condom.
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are infections that are primarily spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex between two individuals of same sex or opposite sex as applicable. Some STIs can also be transmitted through blood or from mother to baby during childbirth or breastfeeding.
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• HIV/AIDS
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Genital Herpes (HSV)
• Hepatitis B and C
• Trichomoniasis
Many STIs have no symptoms, especially in early stages.
Except in case of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), when symptoms do appear, they may include:
• Unusual discharge from the penis, vagina, or anus
• Burning during urination
• Genital sores or warts
• Itching or irritation in the genital area
• Pain during sex
• Lower abdominal pain
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are extremely common. Here are some statistics from a global scenario:
• 1 in 10 women in the age group of 16 to 20 have a Chlamydia infection
• 1 in 10 men in the age group of 20 to 24 have a Chlamydia infection
• Syphilis has recently come back with a fifty-fold increase in its prevalence
• More heterosexuals than homosexuals are becoming newly infected with HIV each year
• The incidence of Gonorrhoea, Trichomonas, Hepatitis B, and C have all increased in the last year.
• 1 in 5 sexually active people have Genital Warts and/ or Herpes Type 2 virus
• The age group chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis infections are increasing fastest in is those aged 50 and over.
Yes. Many people with STIs do not show symptoms, which is why regular testing is important, especially if you have multiple partners or are starting a new relationship or you have a relationship with someone you don't know.
It’s not always easy to recognise the signs of an STI in you or your partner. In fact, some STIs have no symptoms at all, so you may not even know you have one unless you get tested, which is why testing is so important.
Most STIs are spread through sex, but some (like HIV, Hepatitis B, or syphilis) can also be spread via:
• Shared needles
• Blood transfusions (rare with modern screening)
• From mother to baby during childbirth or breastfeeding
When you drink or do drugs, it is hard to make safe choices to protect your health and well-being.
Spots could be a local reaction. But if they are painful or developed blisters, it is good to contact Sabrang recommended doctors or a local Sampoorna Suraksha Clinic and get yourself checked out
Diagnosis can be done through:
• Urine tests
• Blood tests
• Swabs from genitals, throat, or anus
• Physical examination by a trained doctor
• Sabrang recommended labs, may be one of them is in your place
• Local clinics or hospitals
• Sexual health clinics
If you’re sexually active, and when you are having multiple sex partners or partners you don't know - it is good to get tested after any such exposure without a condom. Preferably to get tested every three months, even if you don’t have any symptoms but you have high risk bevaiour of having multiple partners. Your partner should also get tested.
• Curable STIs: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis (with antibiotics)
• Treatable but not curable: HIV, herpes, and hepatitis B/C (medications can manage symptoms and reduce transmission risk)
• Use condoms properly during sex (vaginal, anal or oral)
• Get vaccinated (e.g., HPV, Hepatitis B)
• Get regular STI screenings and physical examination
• Communicate openly with sexual partners and encourage visit to a doctor
• Limit the number of sexual partners or use condom in every sex
• Most STIs do not present any signs or symptoms, especially in the first weeks and months following a new infection. They can have significant health consequences in the long term.
• Chlamydia when left untreated can result in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Men can have inflammation of the testes, and prostate and suffer from infertility.
• Syphilis if left untreated can cause heart failure and mental health disorders in the long term.
• HIV can destroy your immune system and can result in opportunistic infections and cancers. It can even be fatal if not treated in a timely manner.
• Hepatitis B and C, over many years, can cause liver failure and may require a transplant.
• It is important to test for STIs regularly so that you can get any treatment that you need.
• Follow your doctor recommended treatment and complete the course
• Encourage recent sexual partners and help them to get tested
• Avoid sexual activity until you and your partner have completed treatment
• Use condoms till you complete your treatment
• Normally if the symptoms and signs are gone, you don't need a STI test again
• Get retested if recommended
Unfortunately, yes. Since STIs are very common, and getting tested or treated is a responsible, healthy choice. Open, honest conversations and education are key to reducing stigma.
At times of sexual arousal or during the normal menstrual period the discharge may vary in consistency. It is good to spot and if it continues for few days with unusual smell or itching, it is better to speak to Sabrang certified doctor online or consult a local doctor. If you have had unprotected sex recently you may have an infection also.
Missing period can be due to several reasons including stress, to be safe, talk to our Sabrang certified doctors online or visit a doctor and ask to be tested for both STIs and pregnancy. It is unlikely that you are either pregnant or have contracted an STI if you used a condom. Occasionally, however, condoms can break.
If you suspect your partner may have had an infection or if you’ve developed a sore throat after oral sex, or if you have unusual mucus/discharge in your mouth, it’s worth visiting a clinician or talking to our Sabrang certified doctors online.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea especially can cause scarring and pelvic inflammatory disease. They often have no symptoms so many people do not realise that they have them. If you are sexually active, you should consider being tested for STIs.
STIs are transmitted by vaginal, anal, and oral sex. STIs are not spread by handshakes, hugs, toilet seats, towels, dishes, telephone receivers, or insect bites.
Certainly, some STIs don’t have symptoms for few days till they complicate. If you think you may have been exposed, see your doctor or talk to Sabrang certified doctors online right away. Also, let your partner or partners know that they are at risk and should be tested, too.
With the exception of hepatitis B, your body does not build immunity to any STI. If your partner is infected, the two of you may pass the STI back and forth unless you both get treated before having sex again. Also, once you've had one STI, you may be more likely to get another.
Many STIs have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, especially in women. Some STIs may have symptoms that go away for a while but then come back. STIs can damage your body, and you can spread them to your partner even if you have no symptoms.
Left untreated, most STIs can lead to serious conditions. They can cause infertility, urinary tract problems, and cancers of the vulva, cervix, vagina, penis, and anus. Some STIs, including syphilis and AIDS, can cause death. No STI is harmless.
If exposed to STIs, women are more likely to become infected than men due to biological factors, because they have a greater area of exposure (the cervix and the vagina), and small tears may occur in the vaginal tissue during sex, providing a pathway for infection. All people who have anal sex are at greater risk of an STI for the same reasons.
Yes. Herpes, syphilis, hepatitis B, HPV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea can be transmitted through oral sex.
Yes. STIs, including HIV, are commonly transmitted through anal sex. Unprotected anal sex carries the highest sexual risk of HIV transmission. The use of condoms with lubricants is the best way to protect against STIs during anal sex.
Genital hygiene is important and a good practice. There is no evidence, however, that washing the genitals prevents STI infection.
There is no such evidence, it may increase the transmission of STI between the clients considering the mucosal surface being very thin for the women before puberty.
The most common STI you can catch during a kiss is Herpes type 1. It most often happens when one person has a cold sore in the corner of their mouth (an active Herpes outbreak) and kisses someone else.
It is possible to catch Syphilis from kissing if one person has a chancre (syphilis sore) at the time of the kiss. Deep kisses among an infected HIV partner can also transmit to another healthy person.
Results for HIV tests are available within one day or maximum one week of your sample's arrival at the laboratory.
No health test can be 100% accurate. Some STIs do not show up right away. But if you think you have an STI, get tested. You may have to go back again to get tested if you test negative. Even if you test negative, keep practicing safe sex. Talk to our Sabrang counsellor if you have concerns.
Please do not worry, we at Sabrang can help you. If you test positive for an STI we will help you to arrange any next steps if you wish.
We can arrange Sabrang certified doctor consultations in person, by telephone, and by video where your doctor can help to get the right medicine for you based on the diagnosis. We also help your partner by counselling them to get tested without giving details of yours or your health conditions.
Men can contract Chlamydia, which is normally passed by having unprotected sexual activity with someone who currently has the infection. Chlamydia often has no symptoms, so anyone might have it currently without knowing, the only way to fully know is to get a sexual health test. Chlamydia can infect your genitals (if you have had vaginal sex or given anal sex), anus (if you have received anal sex), and mouth (if you have given oral sex).
Chlamydia can lead to men developing a burning sensation when urinating, pain during sex, and it can cause your testicles to swell. Chlamydia can lead to reduced fertility in men and you can infect your next partner. So it is really important to get tested.
A man who has a herpes infection may have no symptoms at all, mild symptoms like outbreaks of uncomfortable blisters and which are often itchy, usually around the mouth (called cold sores), or in the genital area.
If you have Herpes, it will remain in your body for your life. There is currently no specific treatment, but there is medication to control the outbreaks as they occur.
An estimated 80% of men carry the Herpes Simplex I Virus (Oral Herpes), while approximately 25% carry HSV II (Genital Herpes). Getting a blood test is the only way to know if you have herpes.
Hepatitis B is a virus which infects the liver. It is one of the most infectious blood-borne viruses (BBVs). It can survive on exposed surfaces, even after cleaning with bleach. As well as unprotected sexual intercourse, infection commonly occurs through the sharing of contaminated needles (e.g. intravenous drug use), accidental injury with a contaminated needle (tattooing, body piercing, or acupuncture), and the sharing of contaminated razors.
Symptoms of an acute Hepatitis B infection in men can include:
• Tiredness
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Darker urine than normal
• Jaundice
If you are worried about Hepatitis B please contact us today.
Hepatitis C is a viral infection. Most men with Hepatitis C will not have any symptoms for several years. You may start to feel tired and lacking in energy. Around three-quarters of all untreated male Hepatitis C patients will develop a long-term condition. Symptoms will start as the infection starts to progress and can include:
• Tiredness
• Aching limbs
• Digestive problems
• Brain fog
If you are worried about Hepatitis C please contact us today
Syphilis is a potentially life-threatening infection, which can cause serious health complications in men if left undetected and untreated. It is, however, curable with the right treatment.
The first sign that you have Syphilis will usually be the appearance of a Syphilis Sore, or Chancre, in the first few days and weeks following infection. Once this heals, many people with Syphilis will not experience further symptoms for years. However, they remain at risk of developing further stages of Syphilis.
Syphilis is common in gay, bisexual, and straight men. If you are worried about a chancre, please contact us today.
Sex between two men is normally considered by the medical profession to be high-risk. This is because this often includes anal sex. The anus is thinner than the walls of the vagina in women, and so it is more likely to tear during intercourse. If there is a tear in the lining then this means that blood and semen are more likely to mix. This makes it more likely that any infection will be passed on. Particularly from the person giving anal sex to the person receiving it.
Studies have also shown that Men who have sex with Men have more partners and are less likely to use protection. This means that they are more likely to have an STI and therefore pass it on.
HPV or the Human Papilloma Virus, is one of the world’s most common viral STIs. There are over 100 strains of the virus and around 40 of them can be sexually transmitted. Some are particularly high risk for developing cancer, while others are low risk but can be responsible for Genital Warts.
Genital Warts in women most often occur around the labia (the entrance to the vagina) but can occur anywhere that you have had skin-to-skin contact with a wart. They can be hard red bumps and grow to resemble cauliflower. Genital Warts are unsightly, but they can be frozen off. They are also usually caused by a Low Risk strain of HPV.
High Risk HPVs are high risk for causing cancer, particularly cervical cancer in women. A cervical HPV test is recommended every 3 to 5 years for all women or people with a vagina.
Most people with HPV will not have any symptoms, so the only way to know if you have HPV is to get tested. The low risk HPVs can cause Genital Warts.
Women can get Genital Warts. Warts are often small red or pink growths which measure a few millimetres across though, in extreme circumstances, they can grow up to 10cm wide. They can be flat or bumpy, resembling small raspberries or cauliflowers in appearance.
Genital warts can be treated with cryotherapy, creams, and other medications. Some warts may require more than one treatment session.
Genital Warts are a Low-Risk strain of the HPV virus. So although the warts are unsightly they do not mean you are at High Risk of developing cancer from this infection.
Lesbian women are at a low risk of getting an STI from sex with another woman. Some bacterial infections can be passed on through female-only sex, and it is important to check your cervical health regularly to prevent cervical cancer with an HPV test.
Some bacterial infections occur naturally in women and these can be passed on to a partner during sex.
Bisexual women are of a higher risk as statistically men have more partners than women and are therefore more likely to have an STI.
Viral hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by viruses like Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis B and C can become chronic and lead to serious liver damage.
Vaccination (for A and B), safe sex, avoiding sharing needles or razors, and practicing good hygiene can prevent infection.
A: Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by viruses. The main types are Hepatitis A, B, and C. Hepatitis B and C can become chronic and cause serious liver damage over time.
A: Hepatitis B is often transmitted through sexual contact and from mother to child during birth. There's a vaccine for Hepatitis B. Hepatitis C spreads mainly through blood contact (sharing needles, unsterilized equipment). Currently, there's no vaccine for Hepatitis C, but it can be cured with medication.
A: Only Hepatitis A can spread through contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B and C are not transmitted through sharing food, hugging, or casual contact. They require blood or sexual contact.
A: Yes, absolutely. Co-infection with hepatitis is common among people with HIV because they share transmission routes. Having both infections can make liver disease progress faster, so testing and treatment are important.
A: Yes. If the equipment is not properly sterilized, Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted. Always ensure tattoo and piercing studios use new, disposable needles and follow proper hygiene practices.
A: Hepatitis A usually resolves on its own. Hepatitis C can now be cured with newer antiviral medications (cure rates over 95%). Hepatitis B cannot be completely cured but can be managed with medication to prevent liver damage.
A: Yes. The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for people who inject drugs. There's no vaccine for Hepatitis C yet, but harm reduction practices like using clean needles greatly reduce transmission risk.
A: Yes. Hepatitis B can be transmitted from mother to baby during birth. However, giving the baby the Hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin within 12 hours of birth is highly effective in preventing transmission.
A: Many people have no symptoms initially. When symptoms occur, they may include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, and jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes). Chronic hepatitis may have no symptoms until serious liver damage occurs.
A: No. Alcohol significantly increases liver damage in people with hepatitis. It's strongly recommended to avoid alcohol completely if you have any form of viral hepatitis to protect your liver.
A: If you have HIV, inject drugs, have multiple sexual partners, or work in healthcare, annual testing is recommended. Your doctor may suggest more frequent testing based on your specific risk factors.
A: Yes, though the risk is low. If razors or blades are reused without proper sterilization and there's contact with blood, Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted.

Choose barbers who use disposable blades or properly sterilize equipment.
Condoms significantly reduce the risk of most STIs, but not all. STIs like HPV and herpes can be spread through skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by a condom.
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is very infectious (100 times more infectious than HIV) and very easily transmitted through unprotected sex or by sharing needles to inject drugs.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) include chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory diseases. They are not passed from person to person.
Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol, and get regular health checkups.
A: NCDs are Non-Communicable Diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. People with HIV are living longer with treatment but have higher risks of NCDs due to aging, HIV itself, some HIV medications, and lifestyle factors.
A: Some older HIV medications were linked to increased diabetes risk, but newer medications are safer. However, people with HIV should monitor blood sugar regularly. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active reduces your risk.
A: Yes. HIV and some HIV medications can increase cardiovascular risk. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar is important. Not smoking, exercising, and eating healthy significantly reduce your risk.
A: Yes. Chronic stress increases risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. For people with HIV, managing mental health through counseling, support groups, and stress reduction techniques is important for overall health.
A: Stop smoking/tobacco use, limit alcohol, eat more fruits and vegetables, reduce salt and sugar intake, exercise regularly (30 minutes daily), maintain healthy weight, and manage stress. These changes benefit everyone, especially people with HIV.
A: If you're on HIV treatment, annual screening for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol is recommended. If you're over 40, have a family history of NCDs, or have other risk factors, more frequent monitoring may be needed.
A: Yes, certain cancers are more common, including cervical cancer, Kaposi's sarcoma, and lymphomas. However, staying on HIV treatment and maintaining an undetectable viral load significantly reduces cancer risk. Regular cancer screenings are important.
A: While you cannot change genetic risk, healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce your chances of developing NCDs or delay their onset. Regular screening helps catch problems early when they're easier to manage.
A: Managing both conditions requires coordination between your HIV doctor and diabetes care team. Some HIV medications may affect blood sugar, but with proper monitoring, both conditions can be well-managed. Never skip HIV medication due to diabetes concerns.
A: HIV itself and some medications can affect blood pressure. Regular monitoring, medication as prescribed, reducing salt intake, staying active, and managing stress help control blood pressure effectively.
A: Some traditional medicines can interact with HIV medications or affect blood sugar and blood pressure. Always tell your doctor about any traditional remedies you're using. Never stop prescribed medications without medical advice.
A: Yes. Regular yoga and meditation can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve blood sugar control, and support heart health. They complement medical treatment but should not replace prescribed medications or regular health monitoring.
Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. It influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions.
Stay connected with loved ones, manage stress, get enough sleep, exercise, and seek help when needed (e.g., therapy or counseling).
Seek help from a professional. You can go to a counsellor, therapist, psychologist or a psychiatrist.

Share your problem with your doctor, they will be able to guide you to the most suitable professional.

Join a support group where you can interact with your peers and others living with HIV.

Talk to your close friends and family.

Talk it out with anyone your doctor and clear any doubts or concerns you have regarding HIV, the treatment, medicines etc.

Find time to take care of yourself and do things which make you happy and help you stay hopeful
A serious illness like HIV may impact your mental health

Depression is the most common mental health issue people living with HIV may face.

Some symptoms are:
Constantly feeling low
Feeling hopeless, ashamed or guilty
Unable to relax
Suicidal thoughts
Unable to concentrate
Feeling negative
Not wanting to interact or meet people

Depression is treatable. If you have these symptoms, talk to a doctor, counsellor, friend or family to help you seek medical support
Take care of your mental health by talking to friends, family, support group or a professional
Mental health is a state of mental wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.
A person diagnosed with mental illness can simultaneously be mentally healthy and functioning well in many areas, while those with no mental illness may not be mentally healthy but are functioning sub-optimally.
Mental health questions assess a person’s mental wellbeing to help prevent and detect mental health problems that could disrupt daily functioning. Questions are an essential component of a mental health assessment carried out by a trained professional.
A counselor or therapist will ask more holistic or person-centered mental wellness questions, depending on their therapeutic approach. While a psychiatrist is a medically trained doctor who will screen patients using a diagnostic classification system to detect signs and symptoms of mental illness.
(1) If my sleeping habits changed,
(2) if my appetite has changed drastically recently,
(3) whether I am not able to concentrate in my daily work specially not enjoying the work I do,
(4) I am neglecting other things that matter to me,
(5) Am I feeling very tired these days and find everything is just of no value for me,
(6) am I experiencing extreme mood swings.
Counsellors mostly expect that the client should spend quality time and being honest in their conversations. Counsellors play a critical role in understanding the environment, triggering factors that influence symptoms experienced by someone. Counsellors help to explore solutions and facilitate to take decisions. Counsellors share their experience but don’t provide solutions to any client. In case you need any help, please reach out to us at +919994979000 and talk to our counsellors.
It is good to explore about how I am managing
(1) stress levels,
(2) tiredness,
(3) low mood,
(4) poor sleep,
(5) lack of appetite,
(6) anxiety,
(7) low energy levels.
When I explore myself, I will be able to also find my support systems including friends whom can support my coping mechanisms.
Most of the mental health helplines are managed by trained professionals, they will be able to help you to explore possible solutions and help you to act on those solutions. Often it is good to connect online with counsellors and share your problems openly. In case you need any help, please reach out to us at +919994979000 and talk to our counsellors.
First, you can listen with compassion and empathy, without dismissing or judging. This can encourage more openness, allowing a loved one to discuss depression and desperation and feel more comfortable reaching out for help. Second, you can ask questions, which shows that you care enough to learn more about the person's struggles. Social connection is so important in helping someone feel that they are not alone. In case you need any help, please reach out to us at +919994979000 and talk to our counsellors.
Sadness is a normal emotional state, triggered by an event or act that is difficult, hurtful, fearful, or disappointing. Depression is an abnormal emotional state, where one feels sad about everything. A person in a depressed state is not able to enjoy anything, is often irritable, feels fatigued, feels isolated and worthless, is having disturbed sleep, can’t concentrate, and in chronic cases, may have thoughts of suicide. In case you need any help, please reach out to us at +919994979000 and talk to our counsellors.
While family history plays a large role in developing mental illness, it is not the only factor. There are environmental and psychosocial factors that add to the risk factors. No one is immune from developing mental health illness. In case you need any help, please reach out to us at +919994979000 and talk to our counsellors.
Children may develop mental health illnesses. Their symptoms differ from adults:
(1) Changes in school performance,
(2) Poor grades despite effort,
(3) Hyper activity,
(4) Consistent, recurring nightmares,
(5) Aggressive behavior and
(6) Frequent, unmanageable temper tantrums.
Like other medication, psychiatric medication has its own set of side effects like Drowsiness, Restlessness, Dizziness, Dry mouth, Constipation, Nausea, and Vomiting. It is usually because of the body getting used to medication. It normally takes a month for the body to get used to these drugs. If you are feeling any of the above symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
When you are diagnosed and treated by a trained psychiatrist, you may require to be hospitalized for few days for observations so that your medicine dosages are fixed. Also you will have an opportunity to talk to counsellors and support group members. These approaches often help the individual recover fast from their mental health conditions. Mental health issues are reversible if the person after or during treatment again exposes to those triggers.
Most psychiatric conditions are not covered by insurance. Our Sabrang counselling sessions comes for free of cost and you can connect to us. We are a call away at +919994979000, connect us and speak to our trained counsellors.
While sleep deprivation alone cannot cause depression, prolonged lack of sleep can increase the risks of various mental illnesses. And depression could be one of them. In case you need any help, please reach out to us at +919994979000 and talk to our counsellors.
Though making lifestyle changes can certainly help with depression but they cannot replace professional help. Seeking professional help will help people understand their thoughts and worries and make a conscious effort to change cognitive behavioural patterns which is extremely important. In fact, seeking professional help along with lifestyle changes might be the key to cope with Depression. In case you need any help, please reach out to us at +919994979000 and talk to our counsellors.
No. While there are people who can be suicidal because of clinical depression, most cases do not involve suicidal thoughts.
I need to meet friends, family and reconnect. I should plan to improve my personal grooming, appetite, sleep. May be I will plan a daily routine of my hobbies and interests, maintain it and try to explore new things. I should speak to my counsellor if required without hesitating that someone will judge me. In case you need any help, please reach out to us at +919994979000 and talk to our counsellors.
When you choose the therapist, the first thing that needs to be kept in mind is to approach a trained Clinical Psychologist. In the current scenario where many people without adequate qualification are practising counselling, it is important to ensure that the person has done M.Phil in Clinical Psychology so that they are trained in various therapies for depression. In addition, please do not hurry, it takes some time for the therapies to work, and for which your efforts are equally important.
It takes time to trust a therapist and share things. You may take your own time to share the most sensitive things till you develop trust in the person. One thing that needs to be kept in mind is that most qualified psychotherapists maintain confidentiality and they can handle the difficult issues.
Mental health struggles aren’t about weakness or character flaws. Environmental factors, genetics, and other stressors play a role. Just as we don’t see someone with the flu as weak, mental health challenges don’t define a person. Seeking help when struggling is a sign of resilience and strength.
Therapy can be compared in some ways to the gym – if you exercise and lift weights frequently, your muscles will strengthen. With mental health, therapy helps the brain remold and shape new pathways and ideas – a powerful phenomenon known as neuronal plasticity that explains our mind’s ability to evolve continuously and increases the brain’s capacity to adapt and grow.
It is important to recognize that mental health, much like physical health, is not static. Instead, we should think of seeking mental health care in the same way that we see a doctor for a sprained ankle or painful back – the sooner we address the problem, the faster we will be able to return to action and, importantly, understand how to avoid injury in the future.
Treatment for mental health is highly individualized. While medication can be effective for some, it is not the only option. Even when medications are used, they are not magical in improving mental health. Most patients experience the most benefit when medication is used along with other things such as therapy, lifestyle changes, and mindfulness practices
Psychiatrists often hear from patients that they worry that medications will change who they are. The truth is that medications aim to reduce symptoms, not change who you are. Finding the right medication takes time and involves trial and error with your doctor to get the best results with minimal side effects.
On the other hand, ignoring concerns seldom makes them disappear. Whether checking in with a friend or visiting a mental health clinician, verbalizing emotions is often the first step in the journey of healing.
Key concerns include puberty changes, mental health, nutrition, substance use, sexual and reproductive health, and peer pressure.
Through education, open communication with parents or guardians, access to health services, and practicing safe behaviors.
A: In India, adolescents aged 12-18 can access HIV testing and counseling confidentially at most government facilities and NGO clinics. However, policies may vary by state. Healthcare providers should respect your privacy.
A: Yes, this is completely normal. Sexual orientation exists on a spectrum, and many people realize their attractions during adolescence. You're not alone, and there's nothing wrong with you. Consider reaching out to supportive counselors or LGBTQ+ support groups if you need someone to talk to.
A: Yes. STIs, including HIV, can be transmitted during the very first sexual encounter if one partner is infected. Using condoms from the first time and every time significantly reduces this risk.
A: Pornography often shows unrealistic and unsafe sexual practices. It can create unrealistic expectations about sex, bodies, and relationships. If you have questions about sex and relationships, it's better to talk to trusted adults, counselors, or access reliable sexual health information.
A: Irregular periods are common during adolescence as your body adjusts to hormonal changes. However, if periods are very painful, excessively heavy, or absent for several months, consult a doctor. This is normal healthcare, not something to be embarrassed about.
A: Yes. Pregnancy can occur once menstruation begins or sperm production starts, even if you haven't completed puberty. Understanding contraception and safe sex is important if you're sexually active.
A: You always have the right to say no to sexual activity, regardless of who's asking. No one should pressure you into sex. True respect means accepting your boundaries. If you're facing pressure or coercion, reach out to a trusted adult, counselor, or helpline.
A: No. Masturbation is a normal, safe sexual activity. It doesn't cause physical harm, mental illness, or weakness. Many people masturbate, and it's a private matter.
A: Yes. You can request to speak with your doctor privately, especially about sexual health, mental health, or personal concerns. Healthcare providers should respect your privacy while ensuring you get appropriate care.
A: Bullying is never acceptable. Talk to trusted adults—teachers, counselors, parents, or relatives. Many schools have anti-bullying policies. If you're being bullied due to gender identity or sexual orientation, LGBTQ+ support organizations can help.
A: Healthy relationships involve mutual respect, trust, honest communication, support for each other's goals, and respecting boundaries. Warning signs of unhealthy relationships include controlling behavior, pressure to do things you're uncomfortable with, isolation from friends/family, or any form of violence.
A: Yes. Emergency contraceptive pills are available at pharmacies without prescription and work best within 72 hours of unprotected sex. This doesn't protect against STIs, so consider getting tested. If you're concerned about HIV exposure, PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) should be started within 72 hours.
Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality. It includes safe sex, consent, and protection from STIs and unintended pregnancy.
It empowers individuals to make informed, respectful, and safe decisions regarding their sexual lives.
A: Yes. Most women do not orgasm from penetrative sex alone. Sexual pleasure and orgasm for women often require clitoral stimulation. Understanding your own body and communicating with partners about what feels good is important for sexual satisfaction.
A: Sexual problems like erectile dysfunction, low desire, or difficulty with arousal can result from physical health issues, medications, stress, or relationship problems. Don't suffer in silence—doctors can help identify causes and treatments. This includes sex therapy, medications, or addressing underlying health conditions.
A: Yes. Everyone, regardless of physical or intellectual disability, has the right to sexual health information and fulfilling intimate relationships. Adaptive techniques, assistive devices, and supportive counseling can help address specific challenges.
A: Yes, if both partners are comfortable. However, the risk of transmitting bloodborne infections like HIV and hepatitis is slightly higher during menstruation. Using condoms is especially important during this time.
A: Sex refers to biological characteristics (chromosomes, hormones, reproductive organs), while gender is a social and personal identity that may or may not correspond to sex assigned at birth. Gender identity is about how you feel and identify, not what your body looks like.
A: Yes, but use only water-based or silicone-based lubricants with latex condoms.

Oil-based lubricants (like coconut oil, petroleum jelly, or baby oil) can damage latex condoms and cause them to break. Lubricants reduce friction and make sex more comfortable.
A: Be direct, non-accusatory, and frame it as caring for both partners' health. You might say: "I care about both of us staying healthy. Let's both get tested so we know our status and can protect each other." Getting tested together can make it easier and shows mutual respect and responsibility.
Do you need support for trans-gender care support, please speak to our trans-clinic "Sabrang" counsellors. Please note that under Indian law, transgender people include:
• Those whose gender identity doesn’t match the sex assigned at birth
• Trans men and women
• Gender non-binary and genderqueer individuals
• Hijras, aravanis, kothis, jogappas, shiv-shaktis, and other culturally specific identities
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 legally recognizes transgender people and affirms their right to self-identify.
An acute psychological discomfort or stress caused by a mismatch between their assumed sex at birth and their gender identity. Among adolescents and adults, there happens significant incongruence between one's experienced or expressed gender and their assigned gender, lasting for a minimum of six months. The individual wants to be treated and recognized as a gender other than their assigned gender, or as a distinct alternative gender.
Hormone therapy as the preferred treatment for transgender youth experiencing gender dysphoria, which has also shown success in preventing substance misuse. . Early intervention with hormone therapy has been proven to significantly reduce depression. However, the limitation lies in the availability and affordability of such therapy for these individuals. Please connect us at +919994979000 for any assistance.
Psychiatric, endocrinological, surgical, and gynecological care are most critical for trans-health. Besides there is need to support with post operative care, support systems for addressing general health and well-being. Please connect us at +919994979000 for any assistance.
Trans-health in India is governed by the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 and its 2020 rules, which protect against discrimination and mandate government-supported gender affirmation services like hormone therapy and surgeries, though implementation varies by state. In case you need any help, please connect us at +919994979000 or visit our website https://sabrang.safezindagi.in/ for more information and our counsellors will help you.
Need help for hormone replacement therapy, gender-affirming care or talking to one of our counsellor, please connect at +919994979000. In India, gender-affirming care is legal, but access remains inconsistent. It may include:
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Gender-Affirming Surgeries (GAS) like vaginoplasty, mastectomy, or phalloplasty
• Mental health support for gender dysphoria
• Voice therapy
These services are available in some government and private hospitals, but qualified, affirming professionals may be limited in certain areas.
Under the Transgender Act 2019, trans individuals in India have the right to:
• Non-discrimination in healthcare, education, and employment
• Free or subsidised medical care under government schemes
• Legal gender recognition via a transgender certificate and identity card
• Access to gender-affirming treatment in government hospitals
However, real-world implementation varies widely. Do you need any support for trans-health certificate or obtaining Ayushman Bharat TGPlus card, speak to us at +919994979000.
Our Sabrang clinic provides necessary support and links the clients for these services. Speak to our counsellor at +919994979000 or visit our Sabrang clinics at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune. We provide below services:
1. Psychiatric evaluation – Often required before HRT or surgery, our counsellors will help you.
2. Hormone Therapy – Usually prescribed by an endocrinologist or trained physician in our clinic.
3. Gender-Affirming Surgery – Available in select private and public hospitals, we can connect to qualified and trained surgeons.
4. Transgender Certificate & ID – We will help you for online application through the National Portal for Transgender Persons.
5. Ayushman Bharat TG Plus Certificate - We will help you in obtaining this insurance benefit.
• Government Schemes: Under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, transgender persons are entitled to health coverage, including certain surgeries. Up to a maximum of Rs. 5 lakhs is covered.
• Private Insurance: IRDAI guidelines now mandate non-discrimination. Coverage varies by provider.
We can help you to access private insurance policies, do speak to our counsellor at +919994979000.
Our counsellors and Sabrang clinic doctors are available for any help related to common health issues faced by trans-people in India. Speak to us at +919994979000 for any of these below needs:
• Mental health counselling for issues due to stigma, family rejection, and social isolation
• Testing and treatment of HIV and STIs, especially in the Hijra and sex worker communities
• We prepare the client for gender-affirming general care and also offer hormone therapy at an affordable rate.
• Reach out to us for helping you in case you have faced harassment in medical facilities
• Call us at +919994979000 or visit our Sabrang clinics at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune
• You can connect to TeleManas helpline at 14416 for mental health support also.
No. After the 2020 notification of the Transgender Act, surgery is not required to legally identify as transgender. However, for a binary gender change (to male or female), medical intervention and certification by a medical authority is still often required.
Hormone therapy works for trans-women (male-to-female, MTF) and trans-men (female-to-male, FTM). It is a medical treatment under a trained physician that helps align a person's physical characteristics with gender identity. You need to undergo mental health counselling and discussion with a trained doctor before starting hormone therapy. For more information call our counsellor at +91999497900 or visit our Sabrang clinic at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune.
The basic steps include (1) Psychiatric Assessment and counselling by trained counsellor (2) Consultation with a trained physician and set of laboratory tests to ensure individual will not have major side-effects with hormone therapy (3) Informed consent with detailed explained about potential benefits and side effects, possible duration and costs and requirements for regular visits for medical monitoring.
Yes, hormone therapy alone or coupled with surgical procedures will be enough for gender-transition. However, it depends upon individual to individual's need and doctor's advice. For more information call our counsellor at +91999497900 or visit our Sabrang clinic at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune.
Hormone therapy uses medicine to replace or suppress the hormones your body makes, typically estrogen and testosterone, that influence your outward appearance after puberty. For more information call our counsellor at +91999497900 or visit our Sabrang clinic at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune.
If your body has gone through puberty but you haven’t had genital surgery, taking hormone therapy can suppress some physical traits created by your body’s hormones. For more information call our counsellor at +91999497900 or visit our Sabrang clinic at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune.
If you have had genital surgery, taking hormone therapy replaces hormones that your body no longer makes, which is important for bone health. For more information call our counsellor at +91999497900 or visit our Sabrang clinic at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune.
Hormone that blocks testosterone production and adds estrogen for breast growth and fat redistribution. In some cases, hormone that increases testosterone production. Also sometimes if required medicines that blocks the body's own testosterone production. However, all these depends upon individual client needs and doctors' advice. For more information call our counsellor at +91999497900 or visit our Sabrang clinic at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune.
You can expect to have several follow-up visits with your doctor. Most likely, you’ll meet every three months for the first year, every six months for the second year, and yearly from then on. GAHT for gender affirmation is a lifelong treatment for some people. Other people may take hormones for a period of time, until they achieve their desired changes, then stop. For more information call our counsellor at +91999497900 or visit our Sabrang clinic at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune.
Some changes from hormones are permanent. For example, people who take feminizing hormones experience breast development, which will not go away if they later stop hormones. People who take masculinizing hormones experience several permanent changes — voice deepening, facial and body hair growth, scalp hair loss, and clitoral enlargement — which will not go away if they later stop hormones. Other changes are reversible. The long-term effects of hormone therapy on a person’s fertility are not fully understood. For more information call our counsellor at +91999497900 or visit our Sabrang clinic at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune.
Below is a typical timetable of changes for feminizing hormone therapy. Patients who have nonbinary physical goals may take lower doses of hormones. At lower doses, you can expect slower physical changes than what is listed in the chart. For more information call our counsellor at +91999497900 or visit our Sabrang clinic at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune.
During gender-affirming hormone therapy, individual undergoes the same emotional struggles that your first puberty may have brought — mood swings, anxiety and depression — are possibilities as an adult during your second puberty. It is important to discuss your mental health with your doctor so that they can best support you. Also, having a community of support through family, friends or individuals with similar experiences will help. For more information call our counsellor at +91999497900 or visit our Sabrang clinic at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune.
While the risks of untreated gender dysphoria can be severe, there are also risks with taking hormones. You should discuss how these risks might impact your personal health with your doctor.
Only take gender-affirming hormones that are prescribed by a medical doctor. Taking hormones not prescribed to you can lead to serious health risks. Depending on pre-existing conditions and age, you may be at a higher risk of serious cardiac events, such as heart attacks, strokes and pulmonary embolism. For more information call our counsellor at +91999497900 or visit our Sabrang clinic at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune.
Smoking and vaping can have negative effects on your health, especially when taking estrogen as part of hormone replacement therapy. Using nicotine products while taking estrogen can increase the risk of blood clots, strokes and heart attacks. For more information call our counsellor at +91999497900 or visit our Sabrang clinic at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune.
Experiences vary, and not all transgender individuals will have the same changes in sexual function. Sex during hormone therapy for gender affirmation varies, but can include changes in sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm quality. For transgender men (TM) on testosterone, sexual desire may increase, while transgender women (TW) on feminizing hormones might experience a decrease in spontaneous erections but increased desire over time. Orgasm quality can also change, with potential for longer duration in transmasculine individuals and altered function in transfeminine individuals. For more information call our counsellor at +91999497900 or visit our Sabrang clinic at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune.
Hormone replacement therapy may impact future fertility, so it’s important to discuss options with your doctor if you’d like to have a biological child. There are several fertility preservation options to consider. For more information call our counsellor at +91999497900 or visit our Sabrang clinic at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune.
There's no universally "good" sex when you're experiencing new breast development after hormone therapy; it's about finding what feels comfortable, enjoyable, and safe for your individual body. You may experience increased sensitivity, changes in desire (libido), or discomfort from the developing breasts, so open communication with your partner.
After starting gender affirming hormone therapy, you’ll still need to take care of every organ you have. Preventive care and regular screenings are essential for good health, and early detection and screenings can mean more successful treatment. These can include:
• Mammograms
• Prostate screenings
• Pap Smears (if you have a cervix)
• DEXA (bone density) tests
Patients with a history of blood clots may need to take anticoagulants or antiplatelets. Patients at risk of osteoporosis may need bone mineral density screening before starting hormones. Talk to your doctor about the right interventions for you. For more information call our counsellor at +91999497900 or visit our Sabrang clinic at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune.
If you start menopause hormone therapy at age 60 or older, or it has been more than 10 years since menopause, your risk of serious complications increases. But if you start menopause hormone therapy before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits may outweigh the risks.
Follow these steps while on hormone therapy for gender-affirmation in general and specifics as advised by your treating physician.
• Avoid taking hormone therapy from a chemist although the last prescription was from a certified doctor.
• Each refill of hormone therapy requires several discussions on the mental health, medical check-ups and lab-tests.
• Regular doctor follow-ups is critical
• Healthy life-style and balanced nutrition
• Adequate rest
• Avoid smoking or use of any nicotine products specially if you are on estrogen therapy and limit alcohol
• Have regular blood tests for cholesterol, blood sugar, liver enzymes, and other blood-related markers.
• Stay up-to-date on necessary screenings, such as mammograms, prostate screenings, and bone density tests.
• If you have hot Flushes: Avoid heat, coffee, tea, and smoking.
• If you observer skin & body Changes: Keep track of any skin, hair, or fat redistribution changes and discuss them with your doctor.
• If you experience changes in sexual function: Lifestyle changes and potential medication adjustments may help with changes to libido or sexual function.
• Connect with other transgender or gender-diverse individuals in support groups
Call your doctor or seek emergency medical treatment for symptoms like sudden severe headaches, vomiting, loss of vision, speech problems, or sudden weakness or numbness.
Because of this slight risk, you may be asked to stop taking your oestrogen tablets four to six weeks before any major surgery. This may not be necessary for minor or laparoscopic surgery: you should discuss your individual risk of clot with your surgeon.
The whole process takes over one year to complete and depends largely on your goals and the recovery time between procedures. For more information call our counsellor at +91999497900 or visit our Sabrang clinic at Hyderabad, Thane and Pune.
Gender reassignment surgery recovery time varies significantly based on the specific procedure, but generally ranges from several weeks to several months. "Top surgery" (breast augmentation or chest reconstruction) usually takes 3-6 weeks to recover. "Bottom surgery" (vaginoplasty or phalloplasty) typically requires 2-6 months for recovery, with complete healing taking up to a year.
Yes, it is absolutely possible to be transgender without undergoing any surgery. Being transgender is about a person's gender identity, which is their internal sense of being male, female, both, or neither. This identity can be affirmed and expressed in various ways, and surgery is not a requirement.
• Garima Greh: Shelter homes for trans persons
• Ayushman Bharat TG Plus: Free surgeries and treatment
• Skill development & employment schemes for trans persons
No, Sabrang clinic helps to prepare a client and link them to qualified and trained surgeon for surgery. The decision is upto the client about taking the surgery with the referred surgeon.