PrEP: What it is & How it Helps Prevent HIV

PrEP is a medication regimen that helps reduce the chances of contracting HIV when engaging in sexual activity.

PrEP

A milestone in the prevention of the HIV virus that causes AIDS is PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) treatment.

PrEP The HIV prevention pill is now available in Greece A milestone in the prevention of the HIV virus that causes AIDS is PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) treatment. The pill that acts as a 'shield' for the body against HIV is arriving in our country. PrEP, which has been available in public health systems in Europe for years, brings us one step closer to a world without HIV, without the dangers of AIDS.

What is PrEP? PrEP is a medication that helps reduce the chances of contracting HIV when engaging in sexual activity with an HIV-positive person. Essentially, it is the closest medical prevention method to a vaccine. Similar to cervical cancer, anal cancer can also be detected in early stages, making diagnosis particularly valuable, as the disease can be treated. In European countries where the PrEP pill is available, a reduction in HIV transmission has already been observed, especially among high-risk individuals, such as gay men.

How does PrEP treatment work? PrEP acts as an inhibitor to the reproduction of the HIV virus within the human body. Specifically, it helps the body produce antibodies that combat microbes and viruses. After exposure to the virus, the drug's components block the enzyme that the virus needs to reproduce.

Before starting PrEP treatment It is important to confirm a negative result for HIV infection, 4 weeks after the last high-risk sexual encounter. You should be re-evaluated every 3 months. If you have been exposed to the virus or have symptoms, you should wait for a negative test result before starting.

To whom is PrEP addressed? PrEP is intended for individuals who are HIV-negative but at high risk of HIV exposure, such as: If they had anal or vaginal sex in the last 6 months and their partner is HIV-positive. They are heterosexual men or women and regularly have unprotected sex with people at risk of developing HIV. If they have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease in the last 6 months.

PrEP does not replace condoms! The protection provided by PrEP against the HIV virus does not apply to other sexually transmitted diseases, nor, of course, does it prevent unwanted pregnancy. Therefore, it does not replace the use of condoms, which protect against a range of other diseases transmitted through sexual contact, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. Consequently, condom use remains a fundamental rule for protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Read also... Does a condom protect against warts?

PrEP & Efficacy Rates Correct administration of the PrEP medication ensures high rates of protection against the HIV virus, reaching 99% regarding the risk of infection during sexual contact. PrEP, therefore, provides complete coverage against sexually transmitted HIV infection. Conversely, the effectiveness of the medication decreases when PrEP treatment is not taken as recommended by the doctor.

Safety of PrEP treatment PrEP treatment is considered safe. In most cases, it does not cause side effects, but even if some occur, such as headaches and stomach upsets, they are mild and subside within a few days or weeks. In any case, this is a treatment administered under medical supervision, and any side effects, especially when they become more severe or persistent, should be reported to the doctor. If you have not decided whether you truly want to follow this treatment, you can try it for a short period, always under the guidance of a doctor. If you think it suits you, you continue. Otherwise, you stop, and if you change your mind, you start again.

PrEP or PEP? In addition to pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, there is also treatment after exposure to the virus, called PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). This treatment starts within 72 hours of sexual intercourse and is followed for a period of 30 days. The main difference between PrEP and PEP is the timing of the treatment.

What is HIV? HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks the body's immune system and, if not treated, leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Today, the virus is controlled with appropriate medical care, and patients can lead normal lives, protecting their partners. AIDS refers to the final stage of HIV infection, where the immune system has been severely weakened, making the HIV-positive person susceptible to various diseases and specific types of cancer.

HIV Symptoms HIV infection may or may not present symptoms. Often, flu-like symptoms appear 2 to 4 weeks after infection, which can last from a few days to a few weeks. Some people, however, will not experience any symptoms at all. The only way to know if you are infected is to get tested.

Sex Gets Better PrEP treatment not only protects against the risks of AIDS but also contributes to better sex. The mechanism is the classic one of anxiety relief. People no longer worry every time if they will contract the HIV virus, and this makes them feel pleasant during sexual intercourse.

How do I discontinue PrEP therapy?

If you wish to discontinue PrEP, consult your doctor, as you will need to continue taking it for some time after your last high-risk exposure to avoid the risk of infection.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk). Most people become infected through anal or vaginal sex or through contaminated drug injection equipment.

When is HIV detectable?

HIV can only be detected by tests, which will show if it is present in the blood. Depending on the test you take, you will need to consider the so-called window period, which is the time between infection and detection of the virus. No test can detect the virus immediately after infection.