My experience with PrEP started a few months ago. At first, I was a bit hesitant to start taking it because I thought there would be a lot of social stigma surrounding me taking this pill. Because when people hear the term HIV or AIDS they are quick to judge. And they tend to tune everything else out when I try and explain that PrEP is to help prevent me from contracting HIV then eventually AIDS. I was worried about the backlash I would get if it ever came out to light that I was taking PrEP. Especially from family (my parents were my main fear). I feared that if I had started to use PrEP, that I would be deemed impure or any other negative connotation that comes with the stigma about sex. I grew up with sex basically as this taboo thing that no one talks about, and I felt guilty that I was even having sex without being married. But, then I realized that I am a consenting adult and that sex is a natural part of life and everyone enjoys having sex, even if they don?t admit it.
The day I decided to start taking PrEP was the best day of my life. It actually made sex more enjoyable for me. I am a swinger and do have a higher risk of contracting any STIs. And it was always in the back of my mind that I might contract something. With taking PrEP, it eased my mind know that I am at the very least protected from one of the major STIs in the world. Taking PrEP made me feel more in control of my sexuality and my own health as a woman. It has changed my life for the better. I even opened up to my mom about my lifestyle and that I am taking PrEP. I explained to her what it was and she embraced it with open arms. She even told me she was proud of me for taking charge of my health as well as my body. This eventually led me to tell the women I knew from the swinging world about PrEP so that they too could protect themselves. They all said they would look into it. I don?t know if they really did or not, but at least I am spreading the word about PrEP. I want to save as many lives as I can. I see PrEP as a new revolution for everyone. Just how birth control changed the world for women?s health and gave them the choice whether they wanted to have children or not, PrEP can be the same thing but this time it not only benefits women, it benefits everyone on the planet.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I am happy that I started taking PrEP. And that I am glad I was able to get past my own negative self-perception of sexuality and HIV/AIDS. Because at the end of the day I have the power over my own body. I am the one who has to watch over my own health. And taking PrEP gave me the power and strength I never knew I had over my body. It made me own who I was. And no one can ever take that away from me. PrEp gives all of us who are at high risk for contracting HIV/AIDS a fighting chance and it?s amazing how free I feel after I started taking it. And I will definitely be telling more people about PrEP and how it has affected my life in a positive way.
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Information and Resources from HIVE
As PrEP training and implementation roll out across the U.S., we are wondering how the 468,000 women who may benefit from PrEP are finding out about this new HIV prevention method, what they think about it, and what barriers remain. Applause for clinics who are routinely offering PrEP to women, including trans women. And applause for women who are thinking about what PrEP might be to them.
We are on a journey, learning and growing together. Want to share your #WheresMyPrEP story??Looking for a platform for your voice? Interested in helping others by sharing your story? We can work with you if you prefer to be anonymous. No professional writing skills necessary. Contact Caroline@HIVEonline.org.
See below for resources on PrEP.
New Study Shows PrEP is as Safe as Aspirin
Is PrEP Right for Me? A Guide for Women
?PrEP can cause side effects like nausea in some people, but these generally subside over time. No serious side effects have been observed, and these side effects aren?t life threatening.? ?CDC.gov
?PrEP allows a woman to control her own destiny by not having to rely on her partner?s behavior, his ability to take antiretroviral therapy, to have an undetectable viral load, to get tested. These benefits far outweigh the potential risks [of PrEP] for many women.? -Erika Aaron, CRNP, Drexel College of Medicine