Let’s be real: life happens. Whether it’s an unexpected late-night fun, bad decisions or just the reality of not knowing your partner’s HIV status, you need a plan that’s better than prayer! And lucky for us, we have two game-changing medicines in the Philippines that let you take control of your sexual health like a boss: PrEP and PEP.
PrEP: Your Daily Defense (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
Think of PrEP as your daily vitamin for protection. It’s a pill that you take every day to prevent HIV infection. According to DOH, these are the users considered as having “substantial risk” and are highly recommended to take PrEP:
- Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender Women (TGW) who engage in anal/vaginal sex without consistent condom use.
- Individuals in serodiscordant relationships (where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative), especially if the positive partner is not yet virally suppressed.
- Anyone who has been diagnosed with a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) that is not HIV, in the past six months.
- Individuals who have frequently used Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in the past six months, indicating an ongoing risk.
What you get when you take PrEP consistently:
- Near-Perfect Protection: When taken every single day, PrEP is 99% effective at stopping HIV from sex.
- Total Peace of mind: You don’t have to rely solely on your partner (though you should still use a condom for other reasons!). You are actively protecting yourself.
- FREE Access!: Filipino citizens can get PrEP medication for free or partially subsidized through government-supported programs at clinics like those run by LoveYourself PH and Department of Health (DOH) treatment hubs across the country.
Lookouts:
- Discipline is a MUST: You must take it consistently to get the maximum protection.
- Only for HIV: It only protects against HIV. You still need condoms like PREMIERE Condoms to guard against other STIs (like syphilis and gonorrhea) and pregnancy.
- Regular Check-ups: You’ll need an HIV test before starting and regular blood work (usually every 3-6 months) to make sure you stay negative and that your body is handling the medicine well.
PEP: Your Emergency Pill (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
If PrEP is your daily armor, PEP is the 4-week emergency fire extinguisher. It’s a medication regimen you take after a potential high-risk exposure to HIV.
When to use PEP:
- Misuse of condom during sex with a partner whose status is unknown.
- You had unprotected sex and you’re worried.
Timing is Important:
- The 72-Hour Deadline: This is the most crucial part. You MUST start PEP within 72 hours (3 days) of the possible exposure.
- The Full 28-Day Marathon: You have to take the pills every day for the full 28 days to give them a fighting chance to clear the virus before it settles.
Lookouts:
- PEP uses a stronger dose of medicine: Temporary side effects like nausea, upset stomach, or fatigue may occur.
- Not a Lifestyle!: PEP should be used for emergencies only. If you find yourself needing it repeatedly, consider switching to PrEP for long-term use.
You can access these life-changing medicines confidentially and with zero judgment.
- DOH Social Hygiene Clinics and community centers like LoveYourself and SAIL Clinic offer free or partially subsidized PrEP and PEP services.
- Many centers now accept walk-ins for PEP because of the 72-hour time limit. Call or check their website first to confirm.
Peace of mind when it comes to your sexual health means having the right information and medicines at your disposal. If you’re at risk, don’t wait—get your prevention plan now!
Sources Referenced:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Fact Sheet.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) HIVinfo. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Information.
- Department of Health (DOH) Philippines. National HIV and AIDS, and STI Prevention and Control Program.
- LoveYourself PH. Community Service Information on PrEP and PEP Access.
