Is prep only for gay men

Source

Nearly 70% of people living with HIV are gay and bisexual men – and thankfully the exploit of PrEP for HIV prevention is increasing among this group. According to a recent study, the number of gay and bisexual males taking PrEP increased by 500% from 2014 to 2017. However, only 35% of lgbtq+ and bisexual males who were at high-risk of HIV transmission were taking the medication.

It is vital that everyone takes the proper precautions to shield themselves from HIV transmission. While some people are at more risk than others due to lifestyle choices or other practices, there is a prevalent misconception that your exposure of HIV transmission is higher or lower depending on your sexual orientation or preferred sexual position.

PrEP is designed to aid protect any person – regardless of sexual orientation – from HIV transmission. But, you may be wondering if PrEP could affect you differently or be more or less effective depending on if you are a highest, bottom, or vers.

For instance, many tops assume they do not need to take PrEP since they are at a bring down risk of contracting HIV than a bottom – since they are not penetrated.

So, does PrEP operate differently

Is PrEP only for lgbtq+ men?

No, absolutely not. This is one of the most persistent misconceptions about PrEP.

Historically, the first studies and promotional campaigns heavily targeted gay men, pansexual men, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), as they represented (and still represent) one of the populations most affected by the HIV epidemic. This is why the association is so strong in people's minds. But the existence is much broader.

The only real criterion: risk, not gender or orientation

PrEP is for ANYONE who is HIV-negative and at substantial risk of acquiring HIV, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, origin, or lifestyle. The virus does not discriminate, and neither does prevention.

Risk can use to many people, including:

Women (cisgender and transgender) and non-binary people, especially if they have partners whose HIV status is unknown.
People who inject drugs (PWID) and who might distribute equipment.
Sex workers.
People with multiple partners or partners who themselves have multiple partners.

Equitable access: our commitment

We realize that for many people, accessing preventive healthcare prefer PrEP can be fraught with obstacles. Sti

In 2012, the fight to end the HIV epidemic changed forever. A fresh medication called Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) was approved by the FDA as an efficient medication to prevent sexual transmission. The first develop of PrEP for HIV was Truvada, a prescription medication that showed up to 99% effectiveness at preventing transmission.

Although the drug was approved for use for all genders, it was also heavily marketed toward the LGBTQ community. And when the drug was initially developed, it was primarily studied within groups of men and trans women who had sex with men.

However, anyone who is sexually active or who participates in certain behaviors is at peril of HIV transmission. New reports are also showing that now more people who identify as heterosexual are being diagnosed with HIV than gay men for the first time.

There are now multiple forms of PrEP for HIV prevention that have been approved. But is it only shielded for gay, cisgender males to take – or can other genders and people of varying sexual orientations take it as well?

1. Who is At-Risk of HIV Transmission?

First, it is important to understand why PrEP was first primarily prescribed to gay men.

Men w

Is PrEP only for gay men?

The answer is no, PrEP is not just for gay men.

PrEP is for all people who are at potential risk of HIV infection. This includes men who have sex with men, trans men, trans women, as well as male & female heterosexuals.

PrEP For Straight Guys

For heterosexual men, PrEP on demand may be an excellent option if you are travelling to places where it’s likely you could be having sex in ways that could transmit HIV. Check out this post: PrEP For Travel

For men who have sex with other men you can start PrEP easily with a simple loading dose of PrEP then contining with daily tablets. You can learn more about PrEP for gay men by reviewing the agreement video here:

PrEP Consent For Men Who Have Sex With Other Men

For heterosexual men, women & transgender people, we recommend that people are taking Truvada for at least 7 days before they will have levels that suggest the best protection against HIV. You can absorb more by reviewing the guide to consent for all people other than gay men here: