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What the writer of this article, and many others, do not take into account is the fact that becoming HIV + affects more than the person who converts. It contributes to increasing the cost of health care and associated expense for society in general as well as adding to the "pool" of positive men and its associated increased risk to others. It is not 100% OK to think only of oneself in making these decisions. BTW, I am positive so not bashing anyone.
Let's be real about it miss use of the medication cab and will cause even more complication. If we are concerned about getting to zero and eliminating HIV or We talking about freedom of choice? In my mind rights come with responsibility. I'm not saying that sexual behavior is easy to change but let not forget we have a commitment to not only our partners but to community and public health. It's not about shaming anyone for the choices they make but helping folks make choices for all.
'Ifyousayso', ur 1st sentence is a half-truth. The FDA approved PrEP N *recommended* it be used with condoms...but of the 3 categories of eligible users they focused on, the category with the most votes in favor of getting prep were men who have sex with men who use condoms sporadically, or never. prEP is a deeply responsible way to protect self and others, and works far better than condoms at preventing HIV. no other STI is as scary. don't pretend ur lecture is responsible, it's merely haughty.
I was under the impression that the proper and recommended use of PrEP was in conjunction with condoms and not without. So using the drug without the added protection of condoms as prescribed is irresponsible with a virus that is well known to mutate and gain resistance to medications. I do agree that, as with smoking and overeating to the point of serious illness, we all do have the right to decide for ourselves what the acceptable risks are, but don't pretend you are being responsible.
Michael
No other STD is as scary. Except Hep and HPV, which each infect and kill more people than HIV. Except Syphilis, which spent centuries as a disease that made modern HIV look like a cakewalk and remains 1 mutation away from untreatable. Except gonorrhea, which steadily marches toward complete antibiotic resistance. Please, don't repeat the lie that condoms don't work with these. PrEP advocacy often crosses the line into public health delusion and stigma in suggesting that only HIV matters.
March 9, 2016 • Collinsville, IL