HIV is still a major health issue in the United States and around the world. In fact, according to hiv.gov, there are approximately 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States alone. About 13% of those are unaware they have it and require testing to determine their status. Despite our progress in treatment and prevention, we still have a lot of work to do in order to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
People across the country continue to get and transmit HIV regardless of age, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. In 2019 alone, an estimated 1.7 million people were infected with HIV—roughly 5,000 per day— while over 690,000 died of HIV-related complications.
One of the most important things that we can do is educate ourselves and our loved ones about HIV and how to prevent it.
How HIV is Transmitted
HIV is transmitted through unprotected anal or vaginal sex between partners of any gender or sexual orientation. HIV is also commonly transmitted through sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment.
HIV is not transmitted through saliva, sweat, or tears. HIV does not survive long outside of the human body and cannot produce outside of a human host. Therefore, HIV cannot be spread through using public restrooms, sharing dishes, through the air or through touch and closed-mouth kissing.
Factors that Increase HIV Risk
There are a few different factors that can increase your chances of contracting or transmitting HIV.
A viral load is the amount of HIV in the blood of someone who is HIV-positive. The higher someone’s viral load is, the more likely they are to transmit HIV to a partner. Taking HIV medicine can lower someone’s viral load to a point where it is undetectable. If a viral load is undetectable, then HIV is less likely to be transmitted to another person.
If someone already has other sexually transmitted diseases, then they are more likely to contract HIV. Using condoms can lower the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV and most other STDs.
Alcohol and drug abuse can also increase your chances of contracting or spreading HIV. This is because when you are drunk or high, you are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including having unprotected sex. Cutting back on alcohol or drug use can lower your HIV risk.
If You Are Already HIV-Positive
There are steps you can take to protect your partner(s):
Take care of your health and visit your doctor regularly.
Aim to achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load by taking your medication as prescribed and for at least 6 months. Having an undetectable viral load means that you are much less likely to transmit HIV to a partner.
Educate your partner about PrEP and PEP, if they are HIV-negative.
If You Are Unaware of Your HIV Status
then the first step is finding out whether or not you are HIV-positive.
Visit gettested.cdc.gov to find an HIV testing location for an in-person test.
You can also opt for at-home test kits, which are over 92% accurate at detecting HIV.
Protect Yourself From HIV
Practice safe sex. Use condoms every time you have sex.
Talk to your healthcare provider about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you have an HIV-positive partner. PrEP is a daily pill that can reduce your risk of getting HIV from sex by up to 99%.
Visit a doctor right away if you think you may have been exposed to HIV. The doctor may decide that you should get post-exposure prophylaxis, also known as PEP. PEP is an anti-HIV medicine that may lower your chances of getting HIV after you have been exposed to the virus.
HIV is preventable. Education and awareness are key in prevention, and we can all do our part to help stop the spread of HIV. By learning about HIV, talking about it openly, and getting tested regularly, we can work together to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy and safe.
In the early 1980s, HIV was a death sentence. Today, it is manageable with medication and can be treated as just another chronic disease. With new medical advancements and increased awareness, we have made considerable progress in combating HIV/AIDS since its outbreak 40 years ago. However, there are still many challenges that must be addressed if we want to make a lasting impact on this epidemic.
A Brief History of HIV
The 1980s saw the emergence of a new disease that would eventually come to be known as HIV. It was spread primarily through sexual contact or sharing needles, and at first it seemed like everyone who had been exposed developed AIDS and died shortly after exposure. By 1985, every region in world reported an incidence rate above 1500 cases per 100 thousand people infected. Eventually, through years of research, scientists found out how they could slow down or even stop the progression of HIV. These studies led to the creation of a prescription medication called PrEP, which stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis.
HIV In America Today
Despite the breakthroughs in prevention and treatment of HIV, the statistics for HIV in America are staggering. A substantial number of Americans are still impacted by the virus- 1.1 million individuals in the US are living with HIV. 1 in 7 are unaware that they are infected. According to the CDC, a total of 51% of teens and young adults with HIV do not know they have it. There are an estimated 1 million people in the US who are at substantial risk of contracting HIV, but less than 10% of those individuals take preventative medication. Because of this, the CDC recommends that anyone who is sexually active should test for HIV at least once a year.
Protection with PrEP
In 2012, the FDA approved Truvada as a preventative of HIV. In January 2020, California became the first state to allow pharmacists to dispense PrEP without a doctor’s prescriptions, as long as certain clinical criteria of the individual were met. When taken as authorized, PrEP is up to 99% effective at preventing HIV. PrEP is a once daily pill that works by setting up “walls” around certain cells; these walls then keep HIV from crossing into the healthy cells and replicating. If HIV enters your body, it will be unable to breach the walls to gain access to the cells. It is estimated that PrEP starts protecting you anywhere from 7 to 20 days after the first dose.
Although there is still no cure for HIV, modern medications allow people to live long and healthy lives with HIV, without passing the virus to sexual partners.
A Few HIV Myths
There were still many things unknown about the virus in the early years of the HIV epidemic. During thse times of fear and uncertainty, many myths about the virus became popularized. One of those myths is that it is unsafe to have intimate contact with someone who has HIV. However, the combination of a PrEP prescription and condom use provides very strong protection against contracting HIV. If someone living with HIV is taking HIV medication, and there are no symptoms of the virus, then the virus cannot spread to their partner. This is where we get the phrase “undetectable = untransmittable” or “U=U.”
Another common myth is that HIV is the same thing as AIDS. However, HIV is a virus whereas AIDS describes a condition that can possibly develop after many years if left untreated. HIV does not progress to AIDS until the immune system becomes compromised, at which point a person with HIV is vulnerable not only to certain infections but also forms of cancer. However, it is completely possible to contract HIV and never develop AIDS.
Where we are Now
Despite there being no cure for HIV yet, it is now possible to live a long and healthy life with the right medication. A person’s circumstances have changed quite dramatically since the earlier years of this epidemic – now they are able to lead active lifestyles that were once considered impossible due in part by discrimination against those infected as well negative attitudes concerning their own diagnosis.
While HIV has had a devastating impact on many individuals, there have still been many advances in HIV prevention and treatment that make living with this virus easier while protecting loved ones.
The way forward is by staying educated, testing for HIV regularly, and starting a PrEP prescription if you are at risk of contracting HIV.
Sexual health is a part of your well-being, and we want to help you take care of it. We are aiming to promote healthy relationships both physically and emotionally by sharing useful information about staying protected during intercourse through use of condoms, birth control, PrEP, and more, plus looking at what sexuality means in terms of taking care our mental health. We are here to give you some tips on how to protect yourself and your partner when it comes to sexual wellness.
Birth Control
Women today have more birth control options than ever before. However, this abundance of choice can make it difficult to determine which option is the best for you. If you are looking for a safe and affordable option, there are so many possibilities that it can be difficult to know which one will suit your needs the best. The good news is with an abundance of options, finding what works isn’t hard. Options for birth control include pills, IUDs, the ring, the patch, and the shot.
Birth control pills are the most common form of birth control used. When taken exactly as prescribed, the pill is up to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, while also adding the benefits of lighter periods and less PMS.
The intrauterine device, or IUD, is a long-acting but reversible contraceptive that stays inside your uterus for years at a time. Unlike other birth control methods, IUDs must be administered by a doctor. Sometimes IUDs can slip out of place, but generally they are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for anywhere from 3-10 years.
A birth control ring is nearly unnoticeable and is inserted directly into the vagina. This allows women to forget about it as they go on with their daily lives, allowing them to feel protected during sex without any discomfort or interruption of regular activities. The ring is removed after 3 weeks, with a one-week break to have a period. The ring is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
The patch is another low maintenance birth control method. Simply replace the patch weekly to ensure effectiveness at preventing pregnancy. Like most forms of birth control, the patch is 99% effective.
Women who do not want to have a daily or weekly routine when it comes to birth control but are not ready for a long-term commitment should consider the benefits of getting the birth control shot. The shot’s effectiveness lasts 3 months and provides 99% protection against preventing pregnancy. The shot can be administered by a healthcare provider, or at home.
Condoms
Thankfully, condoms have come a long way since the days they were made from sheepskin (and were reusable!). Both male and female condoms not only prevent unwanted pregnancies, but also protect from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Keeping condoms readily available is a great way to always be prepared for safe sex. When used correctly, male condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. If you are a woman looking for an effective, non-hormonal birth control option, condoms are your best bet.
For those allergic to latex, the female condom is a safe, hypoallergenic alternative to male condoms.
Emergency Contraceptive
If you are a woman who is sexually active, then being aware of your emergency contraceptive options is important. If your condom breaks or if anything unexpected happens during sex, having the morning-after pill on hand can save you from an unintended pregnancy. Most emergency contraceptives do not require a prescription and are readily available for both adults and adolescents. Morning after pills are not meant to stop or terminate an already existing pregnancy. Rather, they prevent fertilization from occurring in the first place by preventing ovulation and/or impeding sperm mobility. If a woman has already become pregnant, these medications will be ineffective at stopping her unborn baby’s development since conception has already occurred.
PrEP
PrEP stands for “pre-exposure prophylaxis” and is up to 99% effective at preventing the contraction of HIV when taken correctly. Unfortunately, one in seven individuals in the US who are living with HIV are unaware they have it. Your medical provider may recommend practicing safe sex with proper condom use or starting a PrEP prescription. It is important to start your HIV prevention journey by knowing your current HIV status. In order to start a PrEP prescription, you must test negative for HIV first. Those who have a partner who is HIV positive, or those who have partners of unknown HIV status should consider talking to their healthcare provider about PrEP.
Our goal at TIN Rx is to not only to make sure that we can provide comprehensive Telehealth and pharmaceutical services, but also ensure that you have all the information necessary on any topic related to health and wellness. We want to help you take care of your whole body and well-being, which is why we are taking the time to talk about how important it is for us to address our sexual wellness.
Starting a PrEP prescription can feel like a daunting process. There are many steps that need to come before you are actually able to take your first dose- including taking an HIV test and making an appointment to consult with a healthcare provider. Problems can arise- you may not have time to go see your healthcare provider, maybe you struggle with finding an HIV test kit, or maybe your insurance will not help cover the prescription. Fortunately, there are ways to simplify the process.
First…what is PrEP?
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, and it is a safe and reliable way to prevent the spread of HIV — it is up to 99% effective when taken as prescribed. PrEP is for those who are HIV negative, and have partners who are HIV positive, or partners who have an unknown HIV status. PrEP is a prescription pill that must be taken daily in order to offer the most protection.
Reducing HIV Starts at Home
Despite knowing how to reduce the spread of HIV, a staggering 38,000 Americans become HIV positive every year. The key to eliminating HIV is by knowing your HIV status. Many people believe they do not have access to testing, or they are unwilling to get tested, which means they are risking their lives without even knowing it. 1 out of 7 Americans with the virus do not know they carry it, and half of teens and young adults are also not aware they are HIV positive- these statistics show HIV is continuing to be passed along.
The number of new HIV infections in America is alarming, but it can be reduced by making sure that all those who are at risk get tested. We know there can be anxieties that come up with testing, and that is why we at TIN Rx provide free at-home testing kits. HIV testing is done by looking for HIV antibodies in either the blood or saliva. Our testing kits are mailed directly to your door with clear instructions on how to use them and send them back to us. Once your results come back negative, you are able to take the next step to start your PrEP prescription.
What Does a PrEP Prescription look like?
PrEP is a daily medication, so it is important to hold yourself accountable when it comes to staying on schedule. If taken every day, PrEP is 99% effective at preventing HIV. In order to remember to take your prescription, we recommend creating reminders on your phone, setting alarms, or keeping your prescription bottle in sight. It is crucial to stay motivated to stay safe.
While on PrEP, you will want to make sure to check-in with your healthcare provider every three months to re-test for HIV and make sure your kidneys are functioning properly.
What Should I Consider?
There are a few things to consider before beginning your PrEP prescription. It’s important to remember it is okay to open up and seek support. In the event that you are feeling lost or confused about this process, seek out a trusted friend for support. Whether it’s someone in your family who has been there before or an experienced mentor – any person can be helpful when navigating through prescription options and their associated processes. And, of course, our team at TIN Rx would love nothing more than to help provide clarity and advice- so do not hesitate to reach out if assistance is needed!
Something else to consider about a PrEP prescription is that while it protects against HIV, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. Condom use is still recommended to protect the sexual health of yourself and your partners.
It is also important to stay motivated about your sexual health and keep planning ahead. Scheduling your check-ins and testing ahead of time can help keep your prescription organized and simple.
Ready to start?
The future of HIV prevention is now. A PrEP regimen can transform the way we protect ourselves from this disease and it has never been easier than right now to get started with your prescription for this life-saving medication. It may take time and effort to prioritize your sexual health and safety, but it is definitely worth it. Starting a PrEP prescription protects you, but also any partner of yours as well.
Yes, it is time for a checkup. We know it can be difficult for men to talk about mental and physical health with doctors because there is a fear of judgment or awkwardness, but this silence can lead to poor treatment outcomes and higher mortality rates. Sure you’re tough, but there is no shame in discussing your mental or physical health with your doctor — it can help improve your quality of life.
Men should communicate with their healthcare providers to not only take care of their own mental and physical health, but also the sexual health of their partners. Many men are embarrassed about discussing issues such as erectile dysfunction or loss of libido because they perceive it as a sign that something is wrong with them personally, but by avoiding these topics, physical and mental health can worsen.
Your mental health can also be tied to your sexual health. By treating your mental health, you can improve your sexual health and your quality of intimacy.
Understanding Emotional and Mental Health
Guys, we know mental health may feel more difficult to discuss with your healthcare provider, but your mental wellness is just as important as your physical health. Having an honest conversation with your doctor about your mental wellbeing and emotions can help improve your treatment and overall health. Be sure to bring it up with your doctor if you have
Treatment for ED can range from diet changes, stress management tips, a reduced use of alcohol, or prescription medications. Sildenafil and Tadalafil are the generic versions of Viagra and Cialis. They have the same effectiveness as the name-brand, without the same wallet-breaking cost.
• Concerns over stigmas tied to certain prescriptions
• Depression, stress, or anxiety
• Struggles with alcohol or substance abuse
• Physical, emotional, or mental abuse from someone close to you, or online
Your mental health can also be tied to your sexual health. By treating your mental health, you can improve your sexual health and your quality of intimacy.
Erectile Dysfunction
ED affects an estimated 30 million men in the United States. That is one in ten men, or the entire population of Texas! While it is not uncommon for a man to struggle with an erection once in a while, an ongoing problem should be addressed with a healthcare provider. Sometimes an underlying condition can be the cause of ED (such as hypertension, the use of certain prescriptions like antidepressants, or diabetes). Diet, lack of exercise, stress, and alcohol and tobacco use can also be the cause of ongoing ED.
Treatment for ED can range from diet changes, stress management tips, a reduced use of alcohol, or prescription medications. Sildenafil and Tadalafil are the generic versions of Viagra and Cialis. They have the same effectiveness as the name-brand, without the same wallet-breaking cost.
New or Worsening Pain and Abnormal Symptoms
It may feel easier to believe a new symptom will disappear on its own, but it is important to communicate any health changes with your healthcare provider. Sometimes an unusual symptom can be a sign of a bigger problem and catching it earlier can help prevent future health problems. These unusual symptoms can range from urination changes like leakage or pain in the lower abdomen, to tenderness, swelling, or pain in the testicles.
Men, when it comes to your health, you should be honest with not only yourself, but with your healthcare provider. Be open about any symptoms or concerns that might affect how you feel, physically and mentally, in order to get the best treatment for yourself. Your sexual health is crucial to having better physical and mental health, so it is important to communicate whether you are at risk for contracting HIV, or if you have struggled consistently with erectile dysfunction. Your healthcare provider can also help by evaluating your mental health and addressing any of your personal concerns.
HIV Prevention
Men who engage in anal sex, already have STI’s, and who share needles or syringes while using intravenous drugs are all at risk for contracting HIV. HIV affects the immune system and can lead to AIDS. When it comes to preventing HIV, there are a few different options you can take. Your medical provider may recommend practicing safe sex with proper condom use, or they may suggest starting a PrEP prescription. PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis and is up to 99% effective at preventing the contraction of HIV when taken correctly.
According to HIV.gov, one in seven individuals in the US are living with HIV and are unaware of their infection. It is important to start your HIV prevention journey by knowing your current HIV status. In order to start a PrEP prescription, you must test negative for HIV. PrEP is a preventative treatment and only is effective if the PrEP regimen is adhered to.
Those who have sexual partners with unknown HIV status, or a partner who is HIV positive, qualify for PrEP.
In the early 1980s, a new disease emerged that would come to be known as HIV. The virus was spread primarily by sexual contact and/or sharing needles with an infected person. At first, it seemed like everyone who had been exposed to the virus developed AIDS and died shortly after exposure. By the end of 1985, every region in the world had reported at least one case of AIDS, with 20,303 cases in total. However, through research, scientists eventually discovered how to slow down or even stop the progression of HIV into AIDS if they were treated quickly enough. This led to a medication called PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) being made available for all those who needed it in order to prevent them from getting sick in the future.
In 2012, the FDA approved Truvada as a preventative of HIV. Fifty-four percent of the eligible population were able to start receiving treatment. The drug was originally developed to treat people who were already infected, but it proved so successful in preventing the virus that it quickly became a new form of treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) followed the FDA’s approval and began recommended PrEP as a way to prevent contracting HIV. By 2018, multiple countries including Canada, Australia, the United States, and countries within the European Union were all making PrEP available to the public. In January 2020, California became the first state to allow pharmacists to dispense PrEP without a doctor’s prescriptions, as long as certain clinical criteria of the individual were met. This allows at-risk individuals to receive treatment quicker.
Unfortunately, PrEP is vastly underused by those who would benefit from it. A systematic review found that awareness about prevention drugs like PrEP is low, but individuals were receptive when presented with information from doctors and health care professionals.
PrEP has been shown to be effective at reducing the risk of contracting HIV by up to 99%. PrEP typically consists of a daily pill that must be taken following potential exposure, or in anticipation of possible exposure. To ensure safety, one should take their PrEP every day as directed by their doctor or physician to reduce risk and protect oneself from HIV infection. Unfortunately, PrEP is vastly underused by those who would benefit from it. A systematic review found that awareness about prevention drugs like PrEP is low, but individuals were receptive when presented with information from doctors and health care professionals. Common barriers include lack of communication between patients and their doctor, stigma or shame associated with taking these medications which can lead to some not wanting them, even if they will protect against disease transmission, and the cost of prescriptions being too high for the general public.
The introduction of PrEP to the market for HIV prevention has been met with some controversy, especially over its cost and the disparities in availability and access. Some organizations have embraced it as part of their strategy against AIDS. Different programs throughout the US have aimed at reducing the spread of HIV by using PrEP. The treatment’s controversies mainly stem from the soaring prices that make access to this life-saving medication difficult.
Within the United States, a 30-day supply of Truvada can cost upwards of $2,000. This pricing makes it difficult for many of the at-risk individuals who need PrEP. Fortunately, TIN Rx is working to make this life-changing medication more accessible and affordable for everyone. We do this by using Generic Truvada instead of brand name and therefore can save you hundreds of dollars on a 30-day supply. Generic Truvada has the same effectiveness as the brand name but at a fraction of the cost. Our monthly prescription of Generic Truvada is only $79.95, plus you can order it in the comfort of your own home and have it delivered right to your door. This US-made, FDA-approved generic PrEP prescription has already become a success by helping thousands of individuals across the nation. PrEP is for adolescents and adults, as long as they are above 75 pounds and are already HIV negative. PrEP is also for those who have a sexual partner who has HIV, or for those who have not consistently worn a condom with new or changing partners.
At TIN Rx, we want to lessen the worries of individuals at risk of contracting HIV. We believe this life-saving medication should be more affordable and more obtainable to all of those who need it. We are here to provide you with the affordable PrEP option that Big Pharma companies refuse to offer the public. Our PrEP program requires no insurance, plus we provide ongoing doctor support during your prescription. All that is needed to begin your prescription is to fill out our form, and we will send a free at-home HIV test kit and set you up with one of our TIN Rx partnered doctors for a free consultation.
Do you think you might be a candidate for PrEP? Learn more about how TIN Rx can help you take control of your health.
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