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Presenters urge routine PrEP screening, normalize STI care and highlight vasectomy as an underused contraceptive option for men
Summary
Speakers at the Fatherhood Council session discussed integrating PrEP and routine STI screening into primary care for fathers, noted racial disparities in PrEP uptake, and described vasectomy as a covered, effective permanent method under Apple Health.
Kai Bridal of Implementing Contraceptive Access Now led a session segment defining PrEP (pre‑exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post‑exposure prophylaxis), explained delivery options (daily pill and injectable formulations), and urged providers to make PrEP part of routine STI screening conversations rather than gatekeep it by risk questioning.
"If someone is saying I'm interested in PrEP, we should be starting them on it," Kai said, adding that PrEP can be about 99 percent effective at preventing sexual transmission of HIV when used appropriately and that long‑acting injectables are expanding options. Kai cited national estimates presented to attendees that approximately 1,100,000 Americans could benefit from PrEP but only about 150,000 have been prescribed it, and noted substantial racial disparities in uptake.
On contraception, Kai and other presenters discussed vasectomy as the main permanent male contraceptive available today, describing it as a short outpatient procedure (15–30 minutes) that Apple Health in Washington fully covers. Presenters encouraged clinicians and assisters to discuss vasectomy in counseling, to highlight vasectomy aftercare resources in toolkits, and to reinforce that vasectomy does not typically affect sexual function.
The session balanced prevention (PrEP/PEP and condoms) with family planning counseling, and presenters committed to sharing clinic‑level materials — including PrEP guidance, vasectomy aftercare, and patient education flyers — at the close of the session.
