STD screening tests dropped by 50% during the epidemic! Will you not get HIV if you take PrEP? Doctor: Safe sex is more important throughout the process
STD screening tests dropped by 50% during the epidemic! Is pre-exposure prophylaxis essential?
Worried about the risk of contracting COVID-19, most people will reduce their medical visits during the epidemic, which will also lead to a decrease in the number of people being screened for sexually transmitted diseases. Dr. Chen Yanxu, director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Chung Ho Memorial Hospital affiliated to Kaohsiung Medical University, said that during the epidemic, the proportion of sexually transmitted disease screenings dropped significantly by nearly 50%. People’s excessive fear of the risk of infection in medical institutions not only reduced their willingness to screen for sexually transmitted diseases, but also reduced their willingness to screen for sexually transmitted diseases. People with chronic diseases may also have fewer return visits, which may affect disease control. The public is reminded that as long as they have health needs, they should still seek medical screening and return to the hospital on time.
Dr. Chen Yanxu said that to prevent the risk of sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS, in addition to medical screening, you should practice safe sex throughout the process. You can also use “PrEP” to prevent exposure to the virus based on your own risk needs. Before risk is detected, taking drugs to ensure sufficient drug concentration in the body can achieve the protective effect of reducing HIV infection. This is currently an internationally recognized effective method for reducing infection. If risky sexual behavior occurs unexpectedly, follow-up prevention should be carried out within 72 hours as much as possible, and medication should be taken continuously for one month to achieve the best preventive effect.
Dr. Chen Yanxu explained that there are two main ways to use PrEP for pre-exposure prophylaxis. One is to use medication every day to maintain the drug concentration in the body; the other is to use it “on demand” before exposure or sexual intercourse, but only when there is a certain amount of drug in the body. The preventive effect can only be achieved under certain concentration conditions. Doctors remind that young or high-risk groups are more likely to have sexual intercourse unexpectedly. As long as you assess the risks and needs, you can consult the infectious disease department to take PrEP to help prevent infection.
PrEP protection is indispensable for 100% safe sex
Dr. Chen Yanxu said that society has gradually become more open to gender issues and patient privacy will be properly protected. We call on anyone who feels they are at risk of exposure to consider taking protective measures such as PrEP, not only to protect themselves, but also to protect others, and to prevent HIV infection from turning into a lifelong chronic disease and placing a greater burden on society, families, and individuals.
However, Dr. Chen Yanxu reminded that PrEP is only one part of the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. It does not mean that using PrEP means you can have high-risk sexual behaviors at will. You should also use condoms and water-based lubricants correctly throughout the process, and do not use drugs or share needles. , diluent and undergo regular HIV screening to reduce the risk of infection. Dr. Chen Yanxu emphasized that in terms of preventive effect, prevention beforehand is far better than prevention afterward. If it happens unexpectedly, you should receive preventive medication as soon as possible.
Dr. Chen Yanxu pointed out that the concept of prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases belongs to public health education. The government also invests budget every year to promote PrEP pre-exposure prophylaxis, and prepares subsidy quotas to provide risk groups in need of protection. Dr. Chen Yanxu believes that although young people are more open about sexual issues, they should know how to properly protect themselves and others.
