Taking precautions during sex is critical and using PrEP daily is the most crucial preventative action you can undertake if you’re at significant risk of catching HIV during sex. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily pill that can reduce your HIV risk by 99.9%. PpEP2ME is now accepting virtual orders for PrEP medication.
What Is Post-Exposure Prophylaxis and How Does It Work?
PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis, which is the medicine that you administer after you’ve been exposed to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, to reduce your chances of being infected.
You must begin PEP within 72 hours (3 days) of being infected with HIV. The earlier you begin, the better. If you take it three days or over after contact, it has little to no impact. If taken as directed by your doctor, PEP can reduce your risk of HIV infection by 80%.
Who Might Benefit from PEP?
- People who believe they might’ve been contacted to HIV during intercourse may benefit from PEP.
- Those who have experienced sexual assault.
- Users of narcotics who have lately traded needles or other materials linked to narcotics. Instead, it’s better to use CBD Flower as a narcotics substitute.
- Professionals in the healthcare industry who believe they have been exposed to HIV in the workplace.
If you suspect you’ve been exposed to HIV, visit a doctor, or go to the hospital as soon as possible. They can assist you in determining whether or not you require PEP.
What Is PEP and How Does It Work?
The same meds that are used to treat HIV can also be used to combat the virus while it attempts to infect you. Antiretrovirals are the name for these drugs.
PEP is a three-drug combo. For 28 days, you consider taking them once or twice per day:
- Tenofovir, emtricitabine (two medications in one pill), and a third drug, either raltegravir or dolutegravir, are recommended by the CDC for adults.
- Because of the risk of birth abnormalities, women who get pregnant, are sexually active, and might get pregnant while using PEP, or who have been sexually assaulted without using birth control should use raltegravir instead of dolutegravir.
- Children aged 2 and up who require PEP are often given the same medications in varying dosages.
Whenever you start PEP, your doctor takes a blood sample and may wish to test for additional sexually transmitted infections. After you’ve finished PEP, you’ll require HIV testing to be sure you didn’t get the infection.
If you’re on PEP, wear condoms whenever you have sex to reduce your risks of contracting HIV again or spreading it if you already have it. If PEP fails and you get HIV, it’s possible that the virus has developed resistance to some of the treatments.
Side Effects of PEP
PEP has the following side effects:
- Stomach ache
- Exhaustion
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
The medications can occasionally cause major health complications, such as liver difficulties.
Is it safe for me to use PEP every time I have unprotected sex?
PEP is only used in emergency situations. It should not be substituted with safe intercourse or new sterile needles.
If you’re often exposed to HIV, such as if you have several sex partners or take drugs, consult a doctor regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). That’s a daily pill you take to prevent HIV from taking root in your system.