Understanding PrEP: A Guide
What is PrEP?
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a medicine that helps prevent HIV, which stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is a virus that can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) if not treated. PrEP is for people who do not have HIV but may be at risk of getting it, especially through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
How Does PrEP Work?
PrEP works by blocking the virus from establishing an infection in the body. When taken correctly, it can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 90%. It’s important to take it every day for it to be effective. The medicine helps keep your body healthy by stopping HIV from multiplying if you come into contact with the virus.
Who Should Take PrEP?
PrEP might be right for you if:
You have a sexual partner who is HIV-positive and not on treatment.
You do not always use condoms during sex with partners whose HIV status is unknown.
You have had sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the past six months.
You have used Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), 28 day course of medicine to prevent HIV transmission, taken within 72 hours of exposure. If you have taken this previously then PrEP maybe a better method of protecting your health.
You share needles or other drug equipment.
It's essential to talk to a healthcare provider about your specific situation to see if PrEP is a good fit for you.
How Do You Take PrEP?
PrEP comes in pill form, and you typically take one pill daily. You can take it at any time of the day, but it’s best to take it regularly to build up protection against HIV.
Starting PrEP
Before you start PrEP, you must visit a healthcare provider. They will:
Test for HIV to make sure you don’t have it.
Check how well your kidneys are functioning.
Test for STIs.
Discuss your risk factors and the best ways to stay healthy.
After you start taking PrEP, you will need to return to your healthcare provider every three months for follow-up tests. This is important to ensure the medicine is working well for you and to check your overall health.
What are the Side Effects of PrEP?
Like all medicines, PrEP can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects may include:
Nausea or an upset stomach
Headaches
Fatigue (feeling tired)
Appetite suppression
Most side effects are mild and go away after a short time. If you have any concerns or experience severe side effects, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider.
Why Should I Consider PrEP?
Using PrEP is one of the best ways to protect yourself from HIV. It is effective and safe when taken correctly. Here are some benefits of taking PrEP:
Protection: It significantly lowers the risk of contracting HIV.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that you are taking steps to protect yourself can help reduce anxiety related to sexual health.
Empowerment: Taking control of your health allows you to make informed choices about your sexual activity and safety.
Other Protection Methods
While PrEP is a powerful tool for preventing HIV, it doesn’t protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It’s crucial to use condoms alongside PrEP to provide extra protection from both HIV and STIs. There is also a injection that prevents HIV called cabotegravir, but this is not currently available in the UK.
Conclusion
PrEP is a reliable way to help prevent HIV for those at risk. If you think it might be right for you, talk to a healthcare professional who can provide more information and walk you through the process. Staying healthy and informed about your sexual health is incredibly important. Remember, you're not alone in this journey!
How to get PrEP?
The easiest way in the UK is to go to your local sexual health clinic. If you don’t know who or where that is then click here for a sexual health clinic finder.
If you want to buy PrEP privately then click here to get it from Dr Fox.