PrEP explained #3

I hope you enjoy this video about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) currently refers to a pill containing two HIV drugs: tenofovir plus emtricitabine.

When taken correctly, PrEP greatly reduces the risk of HIV sexual transmission.

If you are HIV negative and at high risk of HIV and don’t always use condoms, then PrEP can stop your risk of HIV.

Other factors related to a high risk of HIV include:

A recent STI (especially rectal infection or syphilis).
Recent need for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).
Using recreational drugs used for chemsex (crystal meth, mephedrone and GHB).
If your HIV positive partner isn’t currently taking their HIV meds regularly.
Please speak to your doctor or nurse about how these risks affect you.

PrEP should NOT be used by people who are HIV positive.

PrEP is usually not needed if:
Your partners are HIV positive and on HIV meds with undetectable viral load. When the viral load is this low, HIV positive people can not transmit HIV.
If you are happy and able to always use condoms.
If you don’t use condoms but your partner is low risk

PrEP is more than 99% effective at stopping HIV infection. when taken correctly.

Globally, tens of thousands of people take PrEP and very few HIV infections have been reported from when people were using the prescribed dose.

PrEP for women:
Why should women take PrEP?
Women who are at high risk of HIV can use daily PrEP as a way to stay HIV negative.

The highest risk for HIV is if you don’t always use condoms with a partner or partners who might be HIV positive. But only if they are either not on treatment or not taking all their meds.

Condoms protect against HIV. HIV positive people cannot transmit HIV if they have undetectable viral load on treatment.

Other reasons to consider PrEP
If condom use is difficult or impossible to negotiate.
If you have sex for money, or receive gifts for sex.
AND

If your partner or partners might be at risk of HIV.

For example:
If your partner is from a country where HIV is common.
If your partner is bisexual or has other partners.
If you have recently migrated to the UK.
If you or your partners inject drugs and share injecting equipment.
Contraception
It is safe to use PrEP with all hormonal contraception (ring, patch, the pill, or an implant). PrEP will not affect your contraception. And contraception will not affect PrEP.

Pregnancy
If you are planning a pregnancy or not using contraception, daily PrEP can make sure that you don’t become HIV positive.

But if you know that your partner is HIV positive, it is better for them to be on treatment first. If their viral load is undetectable, there will be no additional benefit from you using PrEP.

However, if you become pregnant while taking PrEP, please talk to your doctor about whether or not continuing PrEP will be right for you.

enjoy the video.

Have great sexual health

Take care

Bret