The Future of Protection: Exploring PrEP and PEP for HIV Prevention

• admin
• 12 July 2024

Experts in the field of sexual health have consistently said that condoms are among the most widely used and highly recommended tools for preventing STDs. But when it comes to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), it’s important to know that there are other options for protection besides condoms. Are you familiar with PEP and PrEP?

 These days, research has discovered very potent alternatives to condoms that provide broader defense against the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Our discussion of these new techniques, called PrEP and PEP, is centered on them since at Oklute, your health is our first concern.

So, if you want to understand the core of these cutting-edge techniques and know how they differ from one another, stay tuned as we discuss HIV prevention and safe interactions.

The Purpose of PrEP and PEP
Based on available data, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that there were more than 1.5 million HIV diagnoses globally. These numbers highlight how crucial it is to stay focused on prevention—even in the most alluring situations—and to resist the urge to engage in unprotected sexual interactions or to ignore options like PrEP and PEP. When you engage in sexual activity with someone who is HIV positive, these techniques operate as a barrier to prevent you from getting the infection.

Understanding the Distinction between PrEP and PEP
It is very evident how PrEP and PEP differ from one another: PEP is an emergency response to fight the virus and stop it from damaging the immune system, whereas PrEP serves as a prophylactic strategy. Essentially, PrEP serves as a prophylactic action conducted before any possible encounter with the virus, whereas PEP takes effect after possible HIV exposure.

Let’s say you engaged in unprotected sexual activity or the condom ruptured at a critical time. The best course of action in this situation is to use PEP, which stops HIV from entering your body if it is present in the other person. PrEP is the better option, though, if you regularly wear condoms during sexual encounters but are conscious of the danger of infection and want an extra degree of protection.

How PrEP and PEP Work?
PrEP successfully prevents HIV from spreading throughout the body after unprotected sexual contact with a potentially infected partner when the medicine is taken daily.

By contrast, PEP aims to prevent the virus from replicating in the body after exposure by combining antiretroviral drugs, which are also used in HIV treatment.

How Long It Takes for PrEP to Take Effect?
After using PrEP for anal sex for seven days and for vaginal sex for twenty days, the effects start to show. It is crucial to remember that using condoms is still essential throughout this time, so you don’t need to stop having relationships.

When to Discontinue PrEP and PEP?
PrEP is advised for people who are more likely to get infected with HIV, such as males who have sex with other men and those who have several sexual partners. It is therefore safe to stop taking the medication when making the decision to stop having sex.

Medical Monitoring for PrEP or PEP Users
It is required of PEP users to have medical monitoring over the course of the 28-day treatment period in order to determine any potential drug adverse effects. Conversely, individuals who choose to use PrEP must see a physician every three months and have tests performed to ensure their health.

Is It Possible to Forego Condom Use?
Not only does the condom protect against HIV, but it also serves as a barrier against other STIs, such as gonorrhea and syphilis. Therefore, it’s imperative to keep using condoms even if you frequently use PrEP or PEP after intercourse.

Side Effects Exist
Like any drug, adverse effects are a possibility with PrEP and PEP. During treatment, PEP may result in nausea, headaches, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, the side effects of PrEP might linger for up to three weeks and include changes in bowel motions, flatulence, and abdominal pain.

Who is PrEP Indicated For?
Those who are more likely to come into contact with HIV, such as males who have sex with other men, sex workers, and serodiscordant couples (when only one spouse is HIV-positive), are advised to use PrEP.

If the Condom Breaks, Should I Use PrEP?
In this instance, post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, is advised. This drug lasts for 28 days, and you must visit a health center within 72 hours to start the process.

Where to Access PEP?
Visit a health clinic or HIV/AIDS treatment facility in your community to acquire PEP at no cost, and ask a medical expert to prescribe it. Recall that after beginning PEP treatment, you should go back for medicine and routine exams every three months.

How to Use PEP?
It is imperative that you attend a health center in your city or the closest one during the first two hours or up to 72 hours after unprotected sexual activity and request the prescription. The 28-day course of treatment needs to be adhered to nonstop. You may get information about where to get treatment in your state by clicking the link below. Verify.

Conclusion
HIV prevention in the modern sexual health environment extends beyond the traditional condom use. Options for PEP and PrEP prove to be effective allies in the battle to stop the spread of this deadly virus. While PEP functions as a reactive strategy to stop the spread of HIV after exposure, PrEP stands out as a proactive protection against possible infections.

Our top goal at Oklute is to arm our readers with the knowledge they need to make wise choices and appropriately manage their sexual health. Given the concerning rates of HIV infection, it is imperative to employ all strategies at your disposal to lower risks.

The decision between PrEP and PEP ultimately comes down to your sexual habits, personal desires, and the environment you live in. Consider your health as a valuable resource that must be safeguarded at all costs. HIV prevention programs are available to assist you in achieving this vital objective.