When you think about the prevention of HIV, condoms are probably the first thing that comes to mind (which is big, because it should! Condom is a proven method for reducing the risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections during of intercourse). Choice for those who may be at higher risk for HIV -prep.
Preparation means precaution before exposure. The word precaution means to prevent or control the spread of an infection or illness. The aim of the Prep is to prevent HIV infection if you are exposed to the virus.
The Prep includes taking medications to prevent HIV infection. Oral preparation It involves taking a pill once a day to prevent HIV infection from someone who is HIV-negative. There are currently two pills approved for preparation:
- Truvada (for anyone at risk for HIV) and
- Descovy (for those who are at risk in addition to people who have been a female sex at birth, who may be at risk of HIV from the vaginal sex).
When taken consistently, each day, oral preparation has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at a high risk by about 99%.
The newest choice of preparation -Apret. injection Every two months (after two doses of starting one month). This option has been approved to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV in adults and adolescents at risk of at least 77 pounds.
Who should get preparation?
So for whom is the preparation recommended? Disease Control and Prevention Centers (CDC) offer these instructions for people who should consider preparing:
- Anyone who is in a continuing relationship with someone who is HIV-Positive.
- Homosexuals or bisexual men who have had anal sex without a condom or have been diagnosed with STI for the past 6 months.
- Heterosexual men or women who do not use regular condoms with associates with unknown HIV states at a significant risk for HIV infections (eg people who import drugs).
- People who have injected entertainment drugs over the last 6 months and have been shared in infusion equipment or have been treated for the use of infusion drugs in the last 6 months.
While preparation is recommended for different groups, it has received the most attention to the homosexual community. Homosexuals and bisexual men are disproportionately affected by HIV. PREP has been approved as an important prevention tool by various prominent activists and organizations, including human rights campaign, the health crisis of homosexuals, AIDS United and the World Health Organization.
However, the Prep has also gathered some controversy. The criticisms are the one that reflects the controversy surrounding HPV vaccines – the assumption that the Prep will lead to dangerous sexual behavior and promote disorder. But As with HPV vaccinationResearch has shown that these fears are unfounded. A study of the multinational iPrex study that first established the effectiveness of a daily dose of Truvada for prevention found HIV “There are no evidence of risk compensation that offset the benefits of preparation.” In other words, no indication that taking preparation has led to dangerous sexual behavior. In fact, the reverse was true. As the authors of the study note, “indeed, participation in the study was associated with safer sexual behavior”.
Another concern is that the preparation will cause homosexuals and bisexual men to abandon condoms, which were the support of HIV prevention efforts. But one CDC resolution shows the use of condoms in decline Before Truvada’s approval as PREP in 2012. CDC data show that in 2011, 57 % of men who have sexual intercourse with men reported that they had unprotected anal sex at least once in the previous 12 months, from 48 % 2005. Decrease in condoms, the availability of another prevention method must be welcome.
But this does not indicate that preparation replaces condoms. Away from it. On the contrary, the Prep offers a new choice for those who have a high risk – another tool in the HIV prevention tool that fits in with condoms, not as a replacement. In addition, while the Prep helps prevent HIV infection, condoms offer protection from a number of other STDs.
Despite the PREP promise, it is not necessarily the right choice for everyone. In addition to the requirement to take pills or injection of an injection consistently, those in preparation are also recommended to regularly see the healthcare provider for monitoring and testing HIV every three months. But for those who wish to take over, the Prep offers the promise of an extremely effective way to prevent HIV.
Where to find preparation
If you are interested in the Prep, you will want to find a provider who is both knowledgeable about preparing and supporting your decision. If you have a regular health care provider, you can start there. The following preparation can also help you find a provider in your area.
THE Ready, set up, preparation of program Provides access to preparation medicines for free to people who meet the conditions. You Apply for the ready, preparation program, preparation If:
- You don’t have health insurance coverage for prescription drugs
- Have received a HIV test and received a negative result before you start the program
- Request a recipe for preparation
- Live in the United States, including racial soils and soils
