8 Reasons Every Sexually Active Queer Man Should Be on PrEP

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Despite the low risk and efficacy of using Truvada for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), many queer men do not know this HIV prevention method exists. Additionally, many doctors still do not recommend PrEP for their patients who are sexually active with men. A drug is out there, a single pill that you can take daily that significantly reduces the likelihood of acquiring HIV. Yet doctors don’t actively discuss it, and many at-risk men don’t use it. Some gay men fear the stigma, others think they’re somehow immune from acquiring HIV (or don't have enough sex), and others simply don’t know it’s available.

If you are a sexually active man who has sex with men, you should strongly consider using PrEP. Here’s why:   

1. It works
Studies have shown that, if taken daily as prescribed, PrEP is between 92 percent and 99 percent effective in preventing HIV. But please note that PrEP's efficacy depends on this daily adherence. Also, there are minimal side effects, the most common one being some stomach irritations. 

2. Peace of mind
Instead of worrying after (and often during) sex if you’re going to acquire HIV, you can have some peace of mind. Say goodbye to those post-sex freak-out sessions.

3. Condoms break
They just do, and often you don’t realize during sex that the condom broke. PrEP adds another layer of protection.

4. Slips happen
We’re human. We get drunk. We make mistakes. Nobody’s perfect, and all it takes is one unlucky time having unprotected sex. So why risk it if you don’t have to?

5. Forces you to get tested every three months
If you’re on Truvada for PrEP, you need to go in a see your doctor every three months to get tested and to check for any side effects. It’s important to know your status, and being on Truvada forces you to know.

6. People often don’t know their status
Most people are not trying to purposefully give you HIV. It’s an accident. Simply asking, “You’re clean, right?” isn’t good enough.

7. Ubiquitous use by queer men destigmatizes PrEP
I just heard of a new slur: Truvada whore. I was livid when I heard the phrase. A man should not be discouraged and shamed for trying to protect himself from HIV. If more men knew of the benefits, its minimal risks, and were on it, fewer men would judge those who do use PrEP.

8. It (can be) affordable
This is one of the larger issues. While PrEP is available with an affordable co-payment, it really depends on your insurance, and some insurance companies do not cover it. It’s important to ask your doctor and insurance provider to see if Truvada is covered by your plan. Also, certain health centers, cities, and even states like Washington offer financial assistance, as does Truvada's manufacturer, Gilead.

Please do not let your condom use slip as a result of taking PrEP. While PrEP is highly effective, it doesn’t prevent you from acquiring other STIs. Like another tool in the safe-sex toolkit, PrEP is there as an additional preventive measure, not as your only preventative measure. For more information, see The Advocate magazine's 31 Days of PrEP series.