PrEP Game: What You Need To Know Before You Hook Up

October 30, 2024

Hooking Up With Confidence

From the thrill of connecting with that crush for the first time to late-night texts that lead to something steamy with a sneaky link, hookup culture is alive and well. Hookups are especially common among teens and young adults who are enjoying life, freedom, and sexual exploration. Sex with the right person can feel amazing, but should not be at the expense of safety. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can turn a moment of pleasure into a lifetime of pain. Before intense feelings take over, consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an added layer of protection. PrEP can keep hookups hot without the added anxiety.

Should you be worried about HIV?

Thanks to medication, treatment strategies, and increased awareness, HIV rates have decreased significantly over the decades. Yet, there is still work to be done. Statistics show that over 30,000 new HIV infections occur in the US yearly. In states like Texas, the highest rates fall in the young adult range, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM) and minorities. Social media, dating apps, and other cultural shifts have made hooking up easier and more acceptable. At the same time, people who hook up are more likely to engage in risky practices, like unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners. This increases the risk of HIV infection. Before creating that dating profile or sliding into someone’s direct messages (DMs), consider staying protected with PrEP.

What is PrEP?

PrEP was created to proactively battle possible HIV infections, especially among high-risk individuals. The medication significantly reduces the chances of contracting HIV from sex or injection drug use. PrEP belongs to a family of drugs called antiretrovirals. This drug seeks to prevent the enzymes that cause HIV from duplicating upon entering the body. Consistently taking PrEP ensures there is enough medication in the bloodstream beforehand to prevent HIV from establishing an infection. PrEP can be taken orally or by injection, with a 99% protection rate from sex.

Here are the deets on PrEP

The drug must be used effectively for the best results. PrEP needs time to build up in the bloodstream to be effective. This loading phase can vary depending on the doctor’s advice and when individuals plan to have sex. PrEP should be taken daily for the best results and started at least 7 days before having unprotected sex. Specific cases or events can benefit from on-demand dosing. The user takes a double dose 2-24 hours before sex, then subsequent single doses for the next 2 days. Ideally, both the user and any sexual partners should get tested before using PrEP, with routine testing every 3 months. The drug does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so take the necessary precautions, such as condom use.

Peep game with PrEP

If hooking up with that special someone or a spontaneous fling is on the horizon, PrEP is an excellent contingency plan. When used correctly, PrEP gives superior HIV protection. Speak to a doctor for an assessment and possible prescription. There are even programs that provide PrEP for free for people who qualify. Consistent users of the drug will discover other positive benefits. PrEP is a great conversation starter, breaking the ice when talking about HIV protection. Using the drug also builds more advocacy and awareness. Being open about sexual health and HIV protection HIV fosters healthier physical relationships.

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