Hey Big Sis!
My friends say PrEP is to prevent HIV, but I’m not sure if it’s something I need. Is it like a condom? How does it work?
Hey Little Sis, what a great question. I see you read up about your contraception, neh? Condoms are the only contraception that blocks any HIV or other STIs from spreading - but PrEP is a small nyana bit different. One thing, it can’t block other STIs.
And it’s not necessarily for everyone.
Check here; PrEP is short for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It protects you from HIV before you're exposed. Imagine it as that extra layer of defence – like an umbrella for rainy days – that keeps you safe, especially if you’re at risk of HIV.
The CDC suggests PrEP for peeps who fit into the following categories:
Choms who had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months,
Anyone who has an HIV-positive partner.
Anyone who may have had unprotected sex with someone who is infected
A person who hasn’t been consistent with condoms.
It’s also for anyone who's had an STI recently, shares needles or has an injection partner with HIV.
Otherwise, ghel if you have been Pregnant or postpartum and have a history of bacterial STIs, you should also consider it.
PrEP can be taken in two ways, chom. Just like the contraception options. You can choose to do a daily pill or a shot you can get every two months. Both work to block HIV from spreading through your body. When you’re on PrEP and taking it regularly, it’s super effective – like 99% effective!
– at stopping HIV if you’re exposed.
And just like contraception, consistency is the secret ingredient ghel. To make PrEP part of your routine, take it at the same time every day (even setting alarms or using a pillbox if it helps), and if side effects worry you, pop it at night.
And listen, chom – you don’t have to tick all these boxes to consider PrEP. Even if just one or two apply to you, it’s worth chatting with a healthcare provider to see if PrEP is for you.
PrEP is available here in South Africa, and many clinics offer it for free or at a low cost. First things first, though: you’ll need an HIV test to confirm you’re negative because PrEP is for prevention only. Then, your healthcare provider will check to see if you’re good to start on PrEP, and book regular check-ups to make sure everything’s on track.
There are a couple of pill options for PrEP, like Truvada® and Descovy®. Apretude® is the long-acting injection that you take every two months.
With any medication, there can be side effects, sis - but nothing too hectic. Some people get mild side effects like nausea, headache, or stomach pain when starting PrEP, but these usually go away pretty quickly. If anything feels off or doesn’t go away, check in with your healthcare provider – they’ve got your back.
Remember, babes - you can always chat to your big sis chatbot - or a human counsellor if that’s your vibe.
Hit us up,
Big Sis.
Blogs
