The emergence of HIV in the 1980’s had a profound impact on how we think about sexual health. Thankfully, decades of research and clinical trials have led to a number of amazing breakthroughs in the way HIV is treated, as well as medications that can prevent infection altogether.
At BLISS, there are three types of medications that we refer to as the “Holy Grail” of sexuality: medications that have helped save countless lives, and have helped people reclaim their sexuality in the face of the HIV epidemic.
Medications to treat active HIV infection
Antiretroviral therapy, or ART, is a treatment regimen for individuals who are HIV-positive that helps reduce their viral load (the amount of the virus in their bodies). The HIV virus attacks a type of white blood cell called CD4 cells, and without ART, the T cell count will eventually become low enough that the person’s immune system cannot fight off infections.
But with an ART regimen, most people can reduce their viral load to undetectable levels, meaning that there’s so little of the HIV virus in their body that it can’t be detected on a viral load test. This means that they have a near-zero risk of transmitting HIV to their partners. So not only does ART help HIV-positive individuals live long and healthy lives, it also prevents the spread of HIV.
ART typically consists of a “cocktail” of multiple medications, which each fight HIV in different ways. The best combination of medications will depend, so it’s important to work with your doctor on what’s right for you.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
Post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, is a course of medication that can be taken after a person was exposed to HIV that can prevent them from becoming HIV-positive. When started within 72 hours of exposure and taken correctly for 28 days, PEP will guarantee that the person remains HIV-negative. For over 5 years, BLISS has managed to keep every one of our patients who used PEP HIV-negative.
If you’re currently HIV-negative and think you may have been exposed to HIV, contact BLISS Health immediately to begin PEP. And if you need PEP, that probably means that you should also get on PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis, which you’ll read more about below).
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a daily medication that protects an HIV-negative person from becoming infected with HIV. Individuals who take PrEP every day can enjoy a worry-free sex life and full protection from contracting HIV. At BLISS, all of our patients who have been 100% compliant with PrEP have remained HIV negative.
PrEP works by blocking the HIV virus from attacking your body’s CD4 cells, which means that the virus can’t replicate and thus keeps you HIV-negative. These benefits will begin about 5-7 days after starting PrEP. You’ll take one pill per day, and there are few to no side effects.
Though PrEP can be expensive, BLISS makes it available to anyone who needs it at no cost. Your insurance may cover PrEP, and BLISS has federal financial resources allocated to provide PrEP at no cost to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.
Whether you’re positive or negative, BLISS can help you get the medications you need at an affordable cost (or no cost at all). Click here to become a patient, or call us at (407) 203-5984 to ask us a question.
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