Nootsara B.What is PrEP'D?
PrEP'D is a national Australian initiative designed for gay, bisexual, and other men (cis or trans), non-binary individuals, and those who have sex with men. It provides essential information about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) to reduce the risk of HIV.
What is PrEP?
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily pill taken by HIV-negative individuals to prevent HIV infection. When taken consistently, PrEP protects by ensuring enough medication in the system to block the virus if exposed.
PrEP is safe, well-tolerated, and approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for those at risk of HIV. Taken as prescribed, it reduces the risk of HIV transmission by nearly 100%. PrEP empowers individuals by alleviating anxiety about HIV and putting them in control of their HIV status.
While PrEP protects against HIV, it does not prevent other STIs or pregnancy. To reduce the risk of other STIs, condoms should still be used, although they do not eliminate the risk. Regular STI testing is essential since many STIs show no symptoms. For men (cis or trans) who have sex with men, testing should be done up to four times a year. If you are on PrEP, getting STI tests every 3 months is important as part of your routine medical visits.
Is PrEP Right for Me?
PrEP is suitable for anyone at risk of HIV, including gay or other men (cis or trans), non-binary individuals, heterosexual people, and those who inject drugs and share needles. Access to sterile injecting equipment is critical to reduce the risk of blood-borne viruses, including HIV.
For gay, bisexual, or other men (cis or trans) who have sex with men, PrEP is recommended if you:
- Have condomless sex, or if condoms break or slip off during sex with casual partners or with an HIV-positive partner who isn't on treatment or has a detectable viral load
- Have recently had an STI in your genitals or rectum, or have been diagnosed with syphilis
- Use recreational drugs like crystal meth or GHB
Even if you don’t meet these criteria, you can still discuss taking PrEP with a healthcare professional who can prescribe it for various reasons, such as managing anxiety about HIV or sex.
HIV Prevention Methods
PrEP is one of the proven ways to prevent HIV, complementing other prevention strategies:
- Condoms: Effective for preventing HIV and reducing other STIs when used with water-based or silicone-based lubricants (avoid oil-based lubricants as they can damage condoms).
- Undetectable Viral Load: When someone living with HIV has an undetectable viral load due to effective treatment, they cannot transmit the virus to others (U=U, Undetectable = Untransmittable).
Many individuals use a combination of these methods depending on the situation. Open communication and respecting each other's choices are key when discussing HIV prevention with partners.
This powerful combination of prevention strategies helps us work toward eliminating new HIV transmissions.
Conclusion
PrEP represents a transformative advancement in HIV prevention, offering individuals at risk a daily, highly effective tool to protect against the virus. By complementing other prevention methods like condoms and undetectable viral load, PrEP empowers individuals to take control of their HIV status and contribute to the reduction of new HIV transmissions. Access to accurate information and regular testing ensures the best protection and supports overall sexual health. Through initiatives like PrEP'D, individuals can make informed decisions to safeguard their health and well-being.
PULSE Clinic now offers online PrEP medication refills. For more information about the medication and the ordering process, please email pulseliving@pulse-clinic.com to get PrEP
