Protecting ourselves and reducing risk for HIV contraction and transmission.
What is the difference between preventing something and reducing risk?
Preventing something means you stop it from happening.
Reducing risk means that you make it less likely to happen.
Prevention methods do not provide the same level of protection against unwanted pregnancy and STIs and HIV. Continue reading to learn more....
Methods of prevention are options we must use to protect ourselves and reduce risk from unwanted pregnancy and STIs and HIV, and how effective they are.
Abstinence is the only 100% effective prevention method for both pregnancy and HIV and STIs. #ABSTAIN
The Pill - the pill only protects against pregnancy as long as taken correctly every day at the same time. NB: It does not protect against HIV or STIs infection.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), PrEP proves to be effective in preventing HIV infection, but it does not protect against STIs or unplanned pregnancy. #BePrePared
Condoms - condoms are about 97% effective in preventing HIV, STIs and unwanted pregnancy when used correctly. #Condomise
Emergency contraception is very effective in preventing pregnancy if taken in a timely manner, but it does not prevent HIV and STIs infections.
Pregnancy Prevention
HIV and STIs Prevention
PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis is a tablet taken once a day, that can prevent you from contracting HIV. It is important to note that unlike other prevention methods, PrEP protects differently against HIV and STIs. It provides VERY EFFECTIVE protection against HIV but is not proven to protect against other STIs. So, it is still important to practice other forms of prevention for other STIs, as well as pregnancy. PrEP is a great option of protection for anyone who feels they may be at risk of contracting HIV, like if your partner is HIV-positive, you are unsure of your partners status or faithfulness. PrEP is provided for free at public clinics.
Important notes about PrEP:
● PrEP and PEP are not the same. PrEP is PRE-exposure, and PEP is POST-exposure. Meaning PrEP must be taken before any sexual activity that could result in HIV transmission.
● Once you start taking PrEP daily it takes up to 7-10 days before you are protected from HIV.
● In response to the question “Is PrEP an ARV?” - NO. PrEP does contain antiretroviral medicines; however, PrEP is to be taken by HIV-negative individuals only and used to prevent HIV, NOT treat HIV. PrEP and ARTs are different.
Which forms of prevention protect against all three?
Abstinence and condoms. However, abstinence is the only 100% effective method.
CONDOMISE! - Steps on how to use a condom effectively
1. Check package for expiry date.
2. Squeeze condom package to check for air. (If there is no air, the condom is damaged and should not be used)
3. Anytime up to 8 hours before sex. Open package & remove condom. (Explain again to open only with hands, do not use teeth, scissors or knife) The two rings should be parallel to each other.
4. Rub condom between two fingers to make sure the condom is lubricated on the inside.
5. Choose a comfortable position – raise one leg or lie down.
6. Hold condom by the smaller ring (this is the inner ring) and squeeze to form a figure 8 shape.
7. Spread the lips of your vagina and insert the inner ring.
8. Using your index finger, push the inner ring up as far as it will go. Outer ring must remain on the outside of the vagina.
9. Guide penis inside condom. Hold the outer ring of the condom to ensure it stays on the outside of the vagina.
10. Have sexual intercourse. Be sure the penis stays inside the condom during sex.
11. Squeeze and twist the outer ring to keep the semen inside the condom. Gently pull condom out of vagina and check for semen. (If semen is not inside condom, seek medical attention immediately for PEP and/or emergency contraception).
12. Dispose of condom in dustbin or bury it. (Do not flush or throw it on the ground).