…. A Scrutiny On The Rise of PrEP

Introduction

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, popularly known as PrEP is the medicine that people take with the aim of preventing contraction of HIV. With a notable popularity especially among the youths today, PrEP which comes in form of a pill or injection, only reduces the risk of getting HIV and not other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and has many negative effects, potentially hazardous to the human body. On the other hand, ABC is a tool which promotes the three primary methods of HIV Prevention, namely; abstinence, be faithful, and condomize.  

More Harm than Good? 

While PrEP seems to fast replace the existence of the ABC tool, as it seems to offer quick relief while enjoying the sexual pleasure offered in the absence of the ABC method, research has it that the medicine is in fact more harmful compared to the good it offers to those who take it. For instance, it has been discovered that the medicine has a potential to increase the risk of kidney damage or even kidney failure in some people. This damage can also be to the liver – though in rare cases, but has chances of the effect. 

Using PrEP for a long time also leads to bone loss. Pen Medicine defines this condition as a disease where the bones become fragile and more prone to breaking. It is also known as osteoporosis. 

PrEP also increases the risk of STIs because awareness of its existence is making people resort to unprotected sexual intercourse, thereby only reducing their risk of contracting HIV while comprehensively exposing themselves to potential STIs. 

The main side of the coin: the advantage of PrEP

PrEP came into the picture in order to assist people who are at high risk of getting infected by HIV. It therefore comes in as the best option in crucial cases like rape. In the past, many victims of rape had no hope of rescue from contraction of HIV because previously, all available methods were effective before the sexual activity, and not after; that is when PrEP came in handy. So, the vitality of its existence cannot be overemphasized.  

Conclusion

In the spirit of collectivity; it is important to consider the inclusiveness of all the preventive methods in the fight against HIV. While PrEP is seen as the best method today, it is important to work with the ABC approach because it is seen to be of a more effective help. Abstinence and being faithful to one partner are key preventive measures, followed by condomizing, which when correctly used, is 98-100% on HIV prevention, 80-98% STI prevention and 82-98% Pregnancy prevention. However, when these methods have failed for one reason or the other, PrEP becomes king!