Positive
The pill contains two medicines- tenofo- vir and emtricitabine. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or intrave- nous drug use, these medicines can work to keep the virus from establishing a permanent infection.
P
PrEP offers a new strategy to prevent HIV cases acquired through hetero- sexual contact - the epidemic’s primary method of transmission among Black women. Nationally, Black women account for 66% of new cases of HIV among women. As the national dialogue focuses on strategies for addressing the HIV epidemic in this country, the need is greater than ever for heightened efforts among Black women in HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. PrEP proves to be a valuable part of this strategy.
When taken consistently, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at high risk by up to 92%. PrEP is much less effective if it is not taken consistently. With Black women accounting for nine out of ten new HIV infections among women, the first step to HIV prevention is learning the facts and accepting the reality that any woman who is sexually active is at risk.
While abstinence from sexual activity and intravenous drug use is the only 100% sure way to prevent HIV, there are steps we can take to protect ourselves
PrEP could provide women with a much needed way to prevent HIV that they can control for themselves, rather than relying on a male partner to use a condom. What’s more is, PrEP may be an option where women may not be able to negotiate condom use. Current evidence suggests that maximum protection can be achieved after about 3 weeks of being on PrEP. PrEP is a powerful HIV preven- tion tool and can be combined with condoms and other prevention methods to provide even greater protection than when used alone. Please keep in mind, people who use PrEP must commit to taking the drug every day and seeing their health care provider for follow up every 3 months.
For more information on PrEP or to see if PrEP may be for you, visit www.
blackaids.org.
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HEARTANDSOUL.COM 27
re-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a way for those who are HIV negative, but are at substantial risk, to prevent HIV infec- tion by taking a daily pill.
and reduce our risk of becoming HIV infected:
• Knowing our HIV status by taking an HIV test
• Discussing HIV testing and prac- ticing safer sex with our partners
• Practicing safer sex using protec- tive latex barriers (male or female condoms, dental dams) for vaginal, anal, and oral sex every time we have sex
• Not sharing needles of any kind including drug needles, piercing needles, or tattoo needles.
PrEP could provide women with a much-needed way to prevent HIV that they can control for themselves, rather than relying on a male partner to use a condom.
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