PrEP
Table of Contents
Knowing PrEP
What is PrEP?
PrEP (or Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a drug regimen designed for pre-exposure HIV infection. It is a medication that can take as a precaution before having any sexual activities that may lead to HIV infection.
Why take PrEP?
PrEP (or Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a drug regimen prescribed for HIV negative people that can anticipate high risks of getting HIV infection in the future and wish to have a self-protection against HIV. PrEP can lower the risk of getting HIV infection by more than 90% and could be even higher than 90 if used in combination with a condom.
Taking PrEP
Should I consider taking PrEP?
If you’re planning to have sex with someone that you don’t know their status, yes, you should consider it. But if you’re in a mutually monogamous relationship, and you’re both HIV negative, then it’s unnecessary to take PrEP.
However, if you have injected drugs or had some needle sharing within the past six months, then PrEP is highly recommended. PrEP is also recommended for those living with an HIV positive partner.
Is PrEP safe?
This medication may cause some side effects such as headache, nausea, or diarrhea, but none of them are life-threatening. These side effects will usually last for a week, and there’s no report of anyone getting significant effects on their health after taking PrEP for more than five years.
How to take PrEP correctly?
There are many ways to take PrEP correctly, so it’s best to plan out your routine with a doctor. However, there’s one condition that applies to every routine is that you should take this medication at the same hour every day to get the best effect from this medication.
If I take PrEP, can I stop using a condom when I have sex?
While PrEP can prevent the risk of getting HIV by more than 90%, the effect isn’t 100%. This medication is also designed for HIV prevention alone, and they’re many more STDs that you can get from unprotected sex, hence why condom usage is still recommended.