Did you have unprotected sex? 😨 What you need to know about PrEP 💊

As a doctor with over 500,000 followers on social media, I get questions every day from young people who are scared after having unprotected sex. Boys are very afraid of infection, girls are afraid of getting pregnant. But there is a great protection that many people still don't know about: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis ( PrEP ). It greatly reduces the risk of contracting HIV . So this is something everyone should know.

My experience

The messages I usually get are: “Doctor, I had unprotected sex last night. Should I be worried?” or “How do I know I won’t get HIV ?” So learning more about PrEP can help you stop being so worried. Also, knowing that you’re taking PrEP can help you feel more comfortable using a condom, even if something goes wrong.

What is PrEP? How does it work?

PrEP , or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis , is a medication taken to protect against HIV before it is acquired, that is, before exposure to the virus. There are two main ways to do this:

• Daily pills: Taking pills like Truvada or Descovy every day provides continued protection.
• Injections to be taken every two months: The new Apretude , you can take one injection at first, another one a month later, and then take the injection every two months.

Both methods, when used correctly, can reduce the risk of HIV transmission during sex by 99% . However, they do not protect against other sexually transmitted infections ( STIs ). For complete protection, it is still best to use condoms. For more information about PrEP and how it works, visit the NIH PrEP resource .

When should you start taking PrEP?

PrEP is recommended for people who are at risk of getting HIV. That means people who have sex with a lot of people, or people whose partner has HIV, or people who inject drugs. You should get an HIV test before taking PrEP and see if it's negative, and then get tested every three months.

How do you take PrEP?

• Daily pills: If you have receptive anal sex , it takes 7 days to be fully protected. If you have vaginal sex , it takes 21 days. To maintain protection, you need to take the pills every day.
• Injectable PrEP: You take one injection at first, then another one a month later. Then you need to take the injection every two months.

Why is PrEP so important?

Anything can happen in life. A condom can break, it can work without thinking, or you can be unaware of your partner's status. At that time, having PrEP is a great help. I always tell my patients, “It's like wearing a seat belt when you're in a car, having protection during sex.” Having PrEP means you have control over your sexual health , and you can be free from fear.

Fear of pregnancy or fear of infection?

Many young people are afraid of pregnancy, check their menstrual cycle , or only have sex on days they think are “ safe days,” but those methods don’t stop them from getting HIV or other diseases. I always remind my patients that HIV doesn’t care about your period . Having PrEP means you’re always safe.

Take responsibility for your sexual health.

Whether you're in a long-term relationship or not, PrEP can be a great way to feel safe and secure. It's easy to take. And it can be the best thing you can do for your safety. If you're having sex, consider taking PrEP . Visit this page to learn more. ( Link )

To learn more about PrEP , HIV testing, STI treatment, and other services, you can visit the official website of the National STD/AIDS Program. They are doing a great job in preventing the transmission of HIV and syphilis, and stopping mother-to-child transmission of HIV. For more information, visit: National STD/AIDS Program or contact them at +94 703 733 933 or +94 112 667 163.

PrEP services available throughout Sri Lanka 📍

Here are complete details about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) services available across Sri Lanka:

• Embilipitiya STD Clinic: District General Hospital, Embilipitiya, Tel: 047-2230261
• National STD/AIDS Prevention Campaign Clinic Colombo: 29, The Serum Place, Colombo 10. Tel: 0706477044
• Kalutara STD Clinic: District General Hospital Kalutara, Tel: 034-2236937
• Chilaw STD Clinic: District General Hospital Chilaw, Tel: +94 322 220 750
• Badulla STD Clinic: Teaching Hospital Badulla, Tel: 0552 222 578
• Kegalle STD Clinic: Teaching Hospital Kegalle, Tel: +94 352 231 222
• Polonnaruwa STD Clinic: District General Hospital Polonnaruwa, Tel: 027-2225787
• Ragama STD Clinic: Ragama Government Hospital Internal, Tel: 0112960224
• Gampaha STD Clinic: District Hospital Gampaha
• Negombo STD Clinic: Base Hospital, Negombo, Tel: 031-2-224156
• Wathupitiwala STD Clinic: Base Hospital Wathupitiwala, Tel: +94 77 111 9133
• Matara STD Clinic: Government Hospital Matara, Tel: 041-2232302
• Mahamodara STD Clinic: Teaching Hospital, Galle, Tel: 091-2245998
• Kurunegala STD Clinic: Teaching Hospital Kurunegala, Tel: 037-2224339
• Anuradhapura STD Clinic: Teaching Hospital, Tel: 025-2236461, 076 328 4431
• Hambantota STD Clinic: Old General Hospital, Hambantota, Tel: 047-2222247
• Jaffna STD Clinic: Teaching Hospital Jaffna, Tel: 021-2217756

These clinics offer free HIV testing, PrEP, and treatment for other sexually transmitted diseases. You can also book an appointment through Know4Sure.lk .

A little more about PrEP 💊

Now you know what PrEP is, who it's for, and how to take it. So you don't have to worry about having unprotected sex anymore. With PrEP , you can take charge of your sexual health and not be afraid of getting HIV.

Here are some other important things:

• PrEP is not suitable for everyone. You should see your doctor to find out exactly whether you can take PrEP or not.
• Even if you take PrEP, it's a good idea to use condoms, as PrEP only prevents HIV and does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections ( STIs ).
• You should take an HIV test and see if it's negative before taking PrEP. And if you continue taking PrEP , you should get tested again every three months.
• If you want to stop taking PrEP, you should do so under the advice of a doctor.

So, I hope this information is helpful to you. Remember, you are in charge of your sexual health. PrEP is a great tool for that.

Can PrEP cause side effects?

Yes, like any medication, PrEP can cause minor side effects . Some people may experience nausea , stomach upset, and headaches. But these are usually not serious and go away after a few days. You may also experience some mild soreness and swelling where the injection was given. However, these side effects do not happen to everyone. And they are no more dangerous than getting HIV.

Is PrEP available in Sri Lanka?

Yes, PrEP is now available in Sri Lanka. The National STD/AIDS Prevention Program provides these services. You can find out where these services are available by visiting their website or calling the numbers above. You can also get these services from some private clinics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ultimately, PrEP is a great way to protect yourself from HIV. If you're having unprotected sex, or if you're at risk for HIV, consider taking PrEP. It's a great way to take responsibility for your sexual health!

Another thing, this article is for informational purposes only. This is not medical advice. If you have any concerns, please see a doctor.

Sexual health is important. Don't be afraid to talk about it. Be informed, be safe, be happy!