Prophylaxis

For the chess term, see Prophylaxis (chess).

Prophylaxis is a Greek word and concept. It means any action taken to guard or prevent beforehand. The corresponding adjective is prophylactic.

Birth control and condoms are an example of prophylaxis.

Two parts

The concept of prophylaxis has two parts. First is forethought. A person has to realise the need first of all. Second is taking appropriate action.

Any failure of prophylaxis is a failure at either stage 1 or stage 2. Successful prophylaxis means one has anticipated and avoided some undesirable outcome.

Fumigating buses in Kenya to limit the spread of the Covid-19 (2021).

Examples

Birth control is a form of prophylaxis. When condoms are used properly, they have a high chance to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases). The condom catching the sperm prevents the sperm from entering the other person is prophylaxis. Other forms of birth control which both men and women can use will only prevent pregnancy.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) transmitted in bodily fluids like blood or sperm are avoided by using condoms. Sperm can be absorbed in the same way as blood coming out (secretion) during sex and the tissue of the other person taking it in. Without a condom the infection is given (transmitted) through the blood or sperm secretions. STIs can sometimes be prevented with vaccines, such as Hepatitis A and B. Another form of prophylaxis are the drugs used for HIV/AIDS such as PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), which makes the HIV/AIDS not show up (they are undetectable) in the person if it is successful.

Preventative medicine

Prophylaxis is the central idea in preventative medicine. People usually think medical treatment helps sick people to get healthy. Prophylactic treatment is helpful in a different way. Primary prophylaxis tries to stop healthy people from getting sick. Secondary prophylaxis tries to stop people who are sick from getting worse.

Related pages

• Epidemiology
• Prophylaxis (chess)
• Vaccine