Emergency Contraception: Take the 'Regret Pill' Within 72 Hours After High-Risk Sex
During a Vacation, You Meet a Crush
You accidentally fall in love, have an intimate date, and become enchanted and emotionally overwhelmed.
In the heat of the moment, you took things too far and now regret it.
You didn’t use protection.
What should you do?
Could they have an infection?
Is there a risk of HIV?
“Doctor, Is There a ‘Regret Pill’ I Can Take?”
Yes , Thare Is !!!
What is PEP?
PEP, or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, is commonly known as "HIV prevention medication" or "regret pill."
PEP is a method used to reduce the risk of HIV infection in individuals who have been exposed to high-risk situations, such as engaging in fluid exchange with someone who is HIV-positive or whose HIV status is unknown. To be effective, PEP must be started as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of exposure, and involves taking specific antiretroviral medications.
Is PEP Effective?
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) involves taking specific antiretroviral medications to prevent HIV infection after exposure. The success rate of PEP depends on how promptly and consistently the medication is taken.
The earlier PEP is started after exposure, the higher the success rate. It is recommended to begin the medication within 2 hours of exposure, ideally within 24 hours, and not exceed 72 hours.
Numerous international observational studies have confirmed that if PEP is used correctly and consistently for 28 days, it can reduce the risk of HIV transmission through sexual contact by more than 80%.
Who Should Consider Using PEP?
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is recommended for:
- Men who have sex with men
- Transgender women
- HIV-negative partners of HIV-positive individuals
- People who inject drugs
- Other individuals engaged in high-risk heterosexual activities
- Sexual assault victims
PEP is advised for anyone who has had a potential exposure to HIV through contact with an HIV-positive person or someone of unknown HIV status. It is crucial to use PEP as soon as possible after the exposure.
How to Obtain PEP Medication
If you have experienced a potential HIV exposure, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Visit a nearby HIV exposure prevention clinic for consultation and evaluation.
Do You Need to Take PEP for Life?
No!
After a single high-risk exposure, PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) requires continuous use for 28 days. Regular follow-up appointments and testing are necessary, including an HIV antibody test and assessments of liver and kidney function on the day you start taking the medication.
HIV antibody tests should be conducted at 30 days and 90 days after exposure to help your doctor evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
Does PEP cause side effects?
Some individuals taking PEP may experience side effects like nausea, which are typically mild and tend to improve with time. If you are taking PEP and encounter bothersome or persistent side effects, inform your provider.
PEP medications may also interact with other medications a person is taking (known as drug interactions). Therefore, it is important to inform your provider about any other medications you are using.
Can I use PEP every time I have unprotected sex?
PEP is intended for emergency situations and is not suitable for individuals who may frequently be exposed to HIV, such as through unprotected sex with an HIV-positive partner. In such cases, consult your healthcare provider about whether PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) would be appropriate for you.
What are PrEP ?
PrEP and PEP are medications used to prevent HIV. Each type is used in different situations:
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is for people who do not have HIV but are at risk of getting it. PrEP is a medication that can reduce this risk. It can be taken as a daily pill or administered as an injection every two months. With PrEP, if you are exposed to HIV, the medication can prevent HIV from establishing itself and spreading in your body.
PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. PEP is for people who may have been exposed to HIV. It is used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after potential exposure to HIV.
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)
Who should consider taking PrEP?
PrEP can help protect you if you do not have HIV and if any of the following applies to you:
- You have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months and: Have a sexual partner with HIV, Have not consistently used condoms, OR Have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past 6 months.
- You inject drugs and: Share needles or other injecting equipment, OR Have an injecting partner with HIV.
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You have been prescribed PEP and: Continue to engage in high-risk behaviors, OR Have used multiple courses of PEP.
How effective is PrEP?
PrEP is highly effective when taken consistently. It reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and by at least 74% among people who inject drugs. PrEP is much less effective if not taken consistently.
PrEP does not protect against other STIs, so it is important to use latex condoms every time you have sex. If you or your partner is allergic to latex, polyurethane condoms can be used instead.
You must have an HIV test every 3 months while taking PrEP, so you will have regular follow-up visits with your healthcare provider. If you have difficulty taking PrEP every day or wish to discontinue it, talk to your provider.
Does PrEP cause side effects?
Some people taking PrEP may experience side effects such as nausea. These side effects are usually not serious and often improve over time. If you are taking PrEP and experience bothersome or persistent side effects, inform your provider.
