21/02/2023
Whether you test HIV positive or HIV negative, you can take action to protect your health and prevent HIV transmission, whatever your Status as Ishtar Wellness we are here to support you.
Gay and bis*xual men can take the following steps to reduce their risk of HIV infection:
Choose less risky s*xual behaviors.
Receptive a**l s*x is the riskiest type of s*x for getting HIV. Insertive a**l s*x (topping) is less risky for getting HIV than receptive a**l s*x (bottoming). In general, there is little to no risk of getting or transmitting HIV from oral s*x.
Limit your number of s*x partners.
The more partners you have, the more likely you are to have a partner with poorly controlled HIV or to have a partner with a s*xually transmitted Infection (STI). Both factors can increase the risk of HIV transmission.
Use condoms correctly every time you have s*x.
(see our previous post on proper and consistent condom use)
Consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is when people who do not have HIV but who are at risk of getting HIV take HIV medicine to reduce their chances of HIV infection. PrEP can be combined with other prevention methods, such as condoms, to reduce the risk of HIV even further. To learn more on your eligibility to PrEP visit the Ishtar Wellness to have a conversation with the clinician.
Consider post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is the use of HIV medicines soon after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent becoming infected with HIV. For example, a person who is HIV negative may use PEP after having s*x without a condom with a person who is HIV positive. To be effective, PEP must be started within 72 hours after the possible exposure to HIV and prescribed for 28days.
Get tested for HIV.
Whether you test HIV positive or HIV negative, you can take action to protect your health and prevent HIV transmission, its recommended to get a Hiv test after every 3 months.
