Is prep only for gay men
In 2012, the combat to end the HIV epidemic changed forever. A recent medication called Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) was approved by the FDA as an operative medication to stop sexual transmission. The first form 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 transsexual women who had sex with men.
However, anyone who is sexually active or who participates in certain behaviors is at risk of HIV transmission. New reports are also exhibiting that now more people who recognize as heterosexual are being diagnosed with HIV than queer men for the first time.
There are now multiple forms of PrEP for HIV prevention that hold been approved. But is it only safe for homosexual, 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 crucial to understand why PrEP was first primarily prescribed to gay men.
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Nearly 70% of people living with HIV are homosexual and pansexual men – and thankfully the use of PrEP for HIV prevention is increasing among this group. According to a recent study, the number of lgbtq+ and bisexual males taking PrEP increased by 500% from 2014 to 2017. However, only 35% of gay and bisexual males who were at high-risk of HIV transmission were taking the medication.
It is important that everyone takes the proper precautions to protect 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 risk of HIV transmission is higher or lower depending on your sexual orientation or preferred sexual position.
PrEP is designed to help defend any person – regardless of sexual orientation – from HIV transmission. But, you may be wondering if PrEP could influence 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 decrease risk of contracting HIV than a bottom – since they are not penetrated.
So, does PrEP work differently
Is PrEP only for gay 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, bisexual 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 reality is much broader.
The only real criterion: chance, 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, inception, or lifestyle. The virus does not discriminate, and neither does prevention.
Risk can apply to many people, including:
- Women (cisgender and transgender) and non-binary people, especially if they possess partners whose HIV status is unknown.
- People who inject drugs (PWID) and who might share equipment.
- Sex workers.
- People with multiple partners or partners who themselves hold multiple partners.
Equitable access: our commitment
We distinguish that for many people, accessing preventive healthcare like PrEP can be fraught with obstacles. Sti
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 okay video here:
PrEP Consent For Men Who Have Sex With Other Men
For heterosexual men, women & transitioned people, we recommend that people are taking Truvada for at least 7 days before they will have levels that propose the best protection against HIV. You can understand more by reviewing the guide to consent for all people other than gay men here: