Hello! How are you? Today, we are going to talk about something that can be very important for many people, and a method that helps protect against the HIV virus—the virus that causes AIDS—before it enters the body. This is called PrEP. You may have heard of it. Let’s look at what it is, who it is important for, how to use it correctly, and what points you need to be mindful of.
What is PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)?
Simply put, PrEP is the abbreviation for ‘Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis’. ‘Pre-Exposure’ means before being exposed to the HIV virus. ‘Prophylaxis’ means a measure taken to protect against a disease before it occurs. Therefore, PrEP is a medication taken by someone who does not have the HIV virus to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. Think of it like carrying an umbrella before it rains. However, this is only for HIV, not for other diseases.
This PrEP medication can be obtained in two main ways:
- One is as an oral pill taken daily. Just like taking a vitamin, it must be taken at the same time every day to work effectively.
- The other method is as an injection given every two months. This is administered by a doctor or a trained nurse.
You can discuss with your doctor which of these two methods is more suitable for you, considering your lifestyle and convenience.
Who is PrEP most important for?
You might be wondering, ‘Okay, I understand that PrEP is a medicine to protect against HIV. But who actually needs it?’ PrEP is not for everyone. It is specifically recommended for those at higher risk of contracting HIV, as untreated HIV can lead to the dangerous condition known as AIDS. Let’s look at who is at higher risk:
- If your sexual partner is HIV-positive. In such a case, PrEP is a very important way for you to protect yourself from HIV infection.
- If you engage in anal sex without using a condom. Anal sex is a sexual activity with a higher risk of HIV transmission. If you have such relations without a condom, it is definitely worth considering PrEP.
- If you have had another Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) in the last 6 months, such as Gonorrhea or Syphilis. Having an STD is an indication that there is less protection during sexual activity. Also, some STDs increase the chances of HIV entering the body.
- If you have sexual relations without a condom with someone whose HIV status is unknown. Sometimes we don't know the HIV status of the person we are with. In such cases, having sex without a condom is a risk. PrEP can reduce this risk.
- If you share needles or syringes when injecting drugs. This is extremely dangerous. Not only HIV, but many other diseases like Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted this way. Therefore, it is essential for anyone doing so to be informed about PrEP.
The most important thing is, if you feel any of these points apply to you, talk about it openly with a doctor. There is nothing to be ashamed or afraid of. Doctors are there to help you while protecting your privacy.
Does taking PrEP always prevent HIV?
This is a question many people have. PrEP is a highly effective method to protect against HIV, but only if used correctly and according to medical advice. This means if it is the daily pill, it must be taken every day without fail, preferably at the same time. If it is the injection, it must be taken on the scheduled date. You should not miss even a single dose.
However, there is one more thing. While PrEP prevents HIV transmission in most cases (over 99%), it is not 100%. This means there is a very, very small chance that even someone taking PrEP correctly could contract HIV. It is like wearing the best raincoat; sometimes, the collar of your shirt might still get a little wet.
Therefore, in addition to taking PrEP, using a condom during every sexual encounter—whether vaginal, oral, or anal— is the best and most complete way to protect yourself from both HIV and other STDs. You must keep in mind that PrEP is not a substitute for a condom, but an additional layer of protection. The protection received when using PrEP and condoms together is much higher.
Does PrEP provide protection against other STDs?
This is also a very important point. PrEP only protects you from the HIV virus. It cannot protect you from other STDs like Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia, or genital warts.
Think of PrEP as a special security lock to keep out the specific thief called HIV. But that lock is useless against other thieves (other STDs), as they can enter in different ways.
Therefore, even if you are taking PrEP, to protect yourself from other STDs, you must use a condom during every sexual encounter—vaginal, oral, or anal. The condom is your best friend that protects you from other STDs in addition to HIV. Using condoms while on PrEP gives you double protection and peace of mind.
How to get PrEP? What should you be mindful of?
If you feel you need PrEP, you cannot just go to a pharmacy and ask for it. PrEP is a medication that must be prescribed by a doctor.
Here are some points you need to be aware of when obtaining and using PrEP:
1. Seeking medical advice:
- First, you must see a qualified doctor and talk about PrEP in detail. You can get this service from a sexual health clinic or a doctor knowledgeable in this area. The doctor will then consider your health status and HIV risk to decide if PrEP is suitable for you.
- Before starting PrEP, you must take an HIV test to confirm that you do not have HIV. This is because PrEP is for those who do not have HIV to prevent them from getting it, not a treatment for those who already have it. If someone with HIV takes PrEP, the virus may become resistant to the medication, making future treatments ineffective.
2. Using the medication correctly (Adherence):
- If the doctor prescribes oral pills, you must take them every day at the same time without fail. Missing even one day can reduce the effectiveness of the medication. It is like a chain losing its strength if one link breaks. Set a reminder on your phone or add it to your daily routine in a way that you won't forget.
- If you are prescribed the injection given every two months, it is mandatory to go and get the injection on the scheduled dates. Do not miss an appointment. Remember the next date given by the doctor and go at that time.
3. Regular medical supervision:
- During the time you are using PrEP, you must take an HIV test every 3 months.
must be done. This is to continuously confirm that you remain HIV-negative.
Peace of Mind with PrEP
Living with the risk of HIV can cause significant mental stress and fear for some people. The anxiety of "Will I get HIV?" can constantly be on one's mind. When using PrEP correctly, the feeling of having taken a strong step toward protecting yourself from HIV can provide great peace of mind. This can also improve your quality of life and happiness. However, remember that PrEP is not a solution for everything; it is only one part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy.
Take-Home Message
Alright then, we have discussed a lot about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) today. Let's recap the most important points:
- PrEP is a medication that helps prevent HIV infection in people who do not have the virus.
- It is most suitable for people at higher risk of HIV. We discussed who those individuals are earlier.
- PrEP must be taken correctly, daily (for pills) or on a scheduled basis (for injections) to work effectively.
- While PrEP provides very high protection against HIV, it is not 100% guaranteed. Therefore, using condoms is also very important. PrEP and condoms are the best combination!
- PrEP does not provide protection against other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Condoms are the best protection for those as well.
- Medical advice and supervision are essential to start and continue using PrEP. You will need to undergo regular HIV tests and other necessary check-ups.
If you have more questions about PrEP, or if you have any fears or doubts, do not keep anything to yourself; speak with a trusted doctor. They are ready to answer your questions and provide the help you need. Your health is your responsibility! Taking care of it is very valuable.
Tags: PrEP, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, HIV, AIDS, HIV prevention, sexual health, condoms, STD, sexually transmitted diseases
