Studies have shown that PrEP can reduce HIV transmission by 96-99%! It can be hard to find anyone among your friends to ask about it and we know how scary the internet can be. We found REAL guys who decided to go on PrEP. Here are their stories. In their own words.
Name: "Anthony"
Age: 21
How did you first hear about PrEP?
As a patient at Strawberry Mansion Health Center, I first heard about PrEP from a flyer I saw in the health center. I was curious about the pill so I researched it, and decided to talk to my doctor about it.
Have you ever discussed PrEP with your friends? If so, what was it like?
I have a younger cousin who is fifteen-years old who is sexually active. I have talked to her about PrEP because I believe it’s really important that everyone should know about it.
What were you expecting at your first PrEP appointment? How did it go?
Initially, I was very worried about the side effects of PrEP medication. However, after meeting with the PrEP Team, I was able to look at the benefits of the pill versus the side effects and decide that being on PrEP was more important than the small side effects. Everyone who worked with me from the PrEP team was great!
What’s one thing you would want to share with someone else who is considering PrEP?
PrEP works!! And everyone should be promoting it.
Any other questions you think we should be asking?
I think it’s important to explain how low the side effects really are [compared to the effectiveness of the pill]. I also think it’s important for there to be more advertisements in pharmacies so more people out there—we should be getting it out there!
Name: Peter
Age: 23
How did you first hear about PrEP?
I heard about PrEP at Health Center 4; after getting information from my doctor, I called Sophia, made an appointment, got tested and BAM! Decided today’s the day!
Have you ever discussed PrEP with your friends? If so, what was it like?
Yes, and it was negative and positive. Some friends say just use a condom, it’s the same thing but others—especially my HIV-positive friends - encourage me to be on it and tell me to be protected.
Have you ever discussed PrEP with a partner? If so, what was it like?
I’m single so I’ve never discussed PrEP with a partner.
What were you expecting at your first PrEP appointment? How did it go?
Initially, I expected all blood work but it was actually all good.
What’s one thing you would want to share with someone else who is considering PrEP?
Take it! Especially if you consider yourself promiscuous, this is important to have!
What impact (if any) has PrEP had on dating/sex/relationships?
I know I’m safe from this one thing—HIV—but I still need to be using safe sex to protect myself from other STDs.
How has being on PrEP affected your relationship with your primary care provider?
She knows I’m a person of business so I feel like PrEP has helped me open up more with her.
Any other questions/ comments do you have?
Take your pill every day!! It’s easy to forget, but remind yourself!
