Shall we talk about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) to protect against HIV?

Hello! How are you? Today we are going to talk about something that may be important to many people, and a way to help protect yourself from HIV – the virus that causes AIDS – before it gets into your body. We call this PrEP. You may have heard of it. Let's take a look at what it is, who it is for, how exactly it is used, and what you need to be aware of.

What is PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)?

Simply put, PrEP is an acronym for 'Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis' . 'Pre-Exposure' means 'before exposure', meaning before you are exposed to the HIV virus. 'Prophylaxis' is a step taken to protect yourself from a disease before it develops. PrEP is a drug that a person who does not have the HIV virus in their body takes to reduce the risk of getting HIV. Think of it like preparing an umbrella before it rains. But this is only good for HIV, not for other diseases.

We can obtain this PrEP medication in two main ways:

• One is as an oral pill that you take every day . Just like taking a vitamin pill, you need to take it at the same time every day for it to work properly.
• The other method is as an injection every two months . This is given to you by a doctor or a trained nurse.

You can decide which of these two methods is best for you by talking to a doctor, considering factors such as your lifestyle and convenience.

Who is PrEP most important to?

Now you're probably thinking, 'Okay, so PrEP is a drug you can take to protect yourself from HIV. But who really needs it?' PrEP isn't something everyone should take. It's especially recommended for people who are at high risk of getting HIV . This is because HIV can progress to the dangerous condition called AIDS if left untreated. Let's take a look at who is at higher risk:

• If your sexual partner is infected with HIV (that is, if your partner is HIV-positive), 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 the type of sexual activity with the highest risk of HIV transmission. So if you engage in such sex without a condom, it's definitely worth considering PrEP.
• If you have had another sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the past 6 months . For example, gonorrhea or syphilis. Having an STD is a sign that you are not using safe sex. Some STDs also increase the risk of HIV infection.
• Having sex without a condom with someone whose HIV status is not known . Sometimes we don't know the HIV status of the person we are having sex with. In such cases, having sex without a condom is a risk. PrEP can reduce this risk.
• If you use the same needles/syringes with others when injecting drugs, or if you share them . This is very dangerous. Not only HIV, but many other diseases such as hepatitis B and C can be transmitted this way. Therefore, it is essential for someone who does this to be aware of PrEP.

The most important thing is to talk openly with a doctor about any of these issues if you think they apply to you. There is nothing to be ashamed of or afraid of. Doctors are there to help you, while protecting your privacy.

Does taking PrEP always prevent HIV?

This is a problem for many people. PrEP is a very effective way to protect yourself from HIV, but it only works if you take it exactly as directed . That means taking the pill every day, at the same time every day, as often as possible. Taking the vaccine on the scheduled day is important. Don't miss a single day.

But here's something else. PrEP prevents HIV transmission for a large percentage (over 99%) , but not 100% . That means that even if someone takes PrEP exactly, there is a very, very small chance that they will get HIV. It's like wearing the best raincoat, but sometimes the collar of your shirt gets a little wet.

Therefore, in addition to taking PrEP, using a condom during every act of sex, whether vaginal, oral, or anal, is the best and most complete way to protect yourself from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is important to remember that PrEP is not a substitute for condoms, but rather an additional form of protection . Using PrEP and condoms together provides much greater protection.

Does PrEP protect against other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

This is also a very important point. PrEP only protects you from HIV . That means PrEP cannot protect you from other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia, and genital warts.

Think of it this way: PrEP is like a special security lock that protects against a special thief called HIV. But other thieves (other STDs) don't need that lock, they can come in other ways.

Therefore, even if you are taking PrEP, to protect yourself from other sexually transmitted diseases, you must use a condom during every sexual act, whether vaginal, oral, or anal . A condom is your best friend that protects you from other STDs in addition to HIV. Using a condom while taking PrEP gives you double the protection and peace of mind.

How do I get PrEP? What are the things to be aware of?

If you feel like you need to take PrEP, you can't just go to a pharmacy and ask for it. PrEP is a prescription medication .

Here are some things you should know about getting and using PrEP:

1. Seeking medical advice:

• First, you should meet with a qualified doctor to discuss PrEP in detail. You can get this service from a sexual health clinic or a doctor who has knowledge in this field. The doctor will then consider your health condition, HIV risk, and other factors to decide whether PrEP is right for you.
• Before starting PrEP, you must have an HIV test to make sure you are not infected with HIV . This is because PrEP is a way to prevent HIV in people without HIV, not a cure for HIV. If someone with HIV takes PrEP, the virus can become resistant to the drugs and the treatment may not work.

2. Correct use of the medication (Adherence):

• If your doctor prescribes oral pills , you should take them at the same time every day, without forgetting . If you miss even one day, the effectiveness of the medication may be reduced. Just like if one link in a chain breaks, the chain loses its strength. Set a reminder on your phone, or add it to your daily routine to remind you.
• If you are prescribed an injection that is given every two months , it is essential to go and get the injection on the scheduled dates . Do not miss any appointments. Remember the next date the doctor gives you and go at that time.

3. Constant medical supervision:

• While using PrEP, you will need to take an HIV test every 3 months to continue to make sure you are not infected with HIV.
• Your doctor may also do kidney function tests. Like any medication, PrEP can cause some minor side effects. The most common side effects are stomach upset and dizziness in the early stages. However, they are usually not serious and will subside within a few days or weeks. Your doctor will let you know. If you notice anything unusual, tell your doctor right away.

The psychological comfort of PrEP

Living with HIV can be a stressful and frightening experience for some people. The constant worry of ‘Will I get HIV?’ can be overwhelming. When used correctly, PrEP can provide a sense of peace and comfort, along with the feeling that you have taken a strong step towards protecting yourself from HIV. It can also improve your quality of life and happiness. But remember, PrEP is not a cure-all; it is only one part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy .

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so we've talked a lot about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) today. Let's recap these important points:

• PrEP is a medication that helps prevent HIV infection in someone who is not HIV positive.
• This is best suited for those at high risk of HIV . We talked about who that is earlier.
• PrEP needs to be taken correctly, daily (if the pill) or at the scheduled times (if the vaccine) to work properly.
• Although PrEP provides a high level of protection against HIV, it is not 100% guaranteed . That's why it's also very important to use condoms . PrEP and condoms are the best combination!
• PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) . Condoms are the best protection against them.
• Medical advice and supervision are essential to start and continue using PrEP. You will need to have regular HIV tests and other tests if needed.

If you have any questions, concerns, or doubts about PrEP, don't hold anything back and talk to a trusted doctor . They are ready to answer your questions and provide the help you need. Your health is your responsibility! It's worth thinking about.

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