Prep gay definition

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a way for people who do not have HIV to help prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day. The pill contains two medicines that are also used, in combination with other medicines, to treat HIV. PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It involves a person who doesn’t have HIV, regularly taking a pill to reduce their risk of HIV infection.

prep side effects

It takes some time for the right levels of PrEP to be in your system and this needs to be maintained, particularly if you think you might have more riskier sex encounters. PrEP (short for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) allows you to take control of your sexual health and wellness. PrEP is a prevention method for people who are HIV-negative, but are vulnerable to getting HIV.

PrEP is prescribed to HIV-negative adults and adolescents who have anal and/or vaginal sex and are at a higher risk of contracting HIV. PrEP is also prescribed to people who share syringes and needles for drug use with someone who is living with HIV. PrEP is a drug taken by HIV-negative people to reduce the risk of being infected by HIV if you’re exposed to the virus.

It is a prescription tablet taken daily, and it is usually given to people who are regularly exposed to HIV. Taking PrEP pre-exposure prophylaxis can be an important aspect of wellness for queer and trans people. Simply put, PrEP is an HIV prevention pill, and as of July , almost all insurance plans and state Medicaid programs must cover the cost of PrEP as well as the required clinic visits and lab tests, with no cost sharing—this means the entire experience of maintaining a prescription to PrEP should now be totally free for almost all insured individuals.

PrEP pre-exposure prophylaxis is prescribed to people of all genders, transgender experiences, races, ethnicities, and ages who are at high risk of contracting HIV human immunodeficiency virus. In actuality, the virus first appeared in what is now the Democratic Republic Congo during the s, and most likely arrived in the US in the s.

The name inherently stigmatized the gay community, wrongly putting the responsibility on individuals. Scientists later renamed the virus AIDS after finding that it was affecting a larger population of people, including hemophiliacs and children of intravenous drug users IDUs who were also exhibiting associated symptoms. HIV still affects members of our community today because of those initial systemic failings.

HIV can affect anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender, transgender experience, race, ethnicity, or age. PrEP is an oral medication that combines two antiretroviral medicines, tenofovir and emtricitabine, and lowers the chances of the HIV virus from replicating in your body and spreading. PrEP is prescribed as a preventative strategy, meaning people take the anti-HIV drug to lower their chances of contracting when they encounter it through sex or drug use.

PrEP is also prescribed to people who share syringes and needles for drug use with someone who is living with HIV. However, is not just for cisgender gay men and intravenous drug users. Daily PrEP is a single pill taken once a day, every day. Once you start taking PrEP, you have to have lab tests every three months to make sure you have not contracted HIV and assess kidney function. Missing a dose may lower your level of protection against the virus, so it is important that you take PrEP as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

For people who have receptive anal sex bottoming , it takes at least a week for the drug to offer its maximum protection against HIV. For receptive partners in vaginal intercourse and injection drug users, it is estimated to be about 21 days. While some people choose not to use condoms for a variety of reasons, a combination of condoms and PrEP is one of the most effective ways of reducing your chances of getting HIV.

There are other, effective methods to reduce your chances that do involve PrEP or condoms. No, PrEP does not have to be a life-long drug. PrEP requires a prescription from your healthcare provider. Your provider will also ask you to take a risk assessment for HIV, kidney function testing, pregnancy testing. A generic equivalent to Truvada has also been approved for use in the US.

Truvada can be prescribed for adults and adolescents over 77 pounds, and Descovy can be prescribed to adults and adolescents over 77 pounds excluding those who have receptive vaginal sex because it has not yet been studied for this use. Included Health members can find providers who are able to prescribe PrEP through our dedicated care concierge.

Be sure to verify pharmacy information with your provider during your appointment! First, make sure your provider is knowledgeable about PrEP and is comfortable with prescribing it. Calling your provider in advance is a great way to make sure this is a service they can provide. Your provider will likely ask some questions about your sexual activity and drug use, which is part of their process to determine how you will benefit from being on PrEP.

This is also a great opportunity to ask questions you have about PrEP. Last, if your provider is not comfortable prescribing PrEP and providing the necessary related care like ordering quarterly labs , there are specialty clinics that can provide it. Almost all insurance plans and state Medicaid programs cover the cost of PrEP as well as the required clinic visits and lab tests, with no cost sharing—this means the entire experience of maintaining a prescription to PrEP should now be totally free for almost all insured individuals.

Anyone on insurance who is interested in PrEP should be aware of this change effective July