Are We Taking Care of Ourselves?

The current thinking is that - HIV positive men with non-detectable viral loads (the amount of HIV found in their bloodstream) pose a much lowered risk on their sexual partners, this could mean that that poz guy you met at
Hamburger Mary’s (who’s adhering to his HIV meds) during gay bingo is largely non-contagious.

So what’s the big deal with condoms, right? Why not plunge into some of that bareback, raw, skin on skin lovin’? After all, we know that condoms are restrictive. They decrease pleasure, take away the spontaneity and hey sex just feels better without ‘em, right?

With bio-medical options such as that whole PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) thing available, (the HIV “morning after pill”, proven to be 80% effective in stopping the virus’ transmission into the body when taken regularly over a 28-day period), it may seem like the war against HIV is a thing of the past. And now on the horizon is PrEP, (Pre-Exposure
Prophylaxis), which is very similar to PEP, except that it’s taken prior to exposure.

So - why are we still talking prevention?

Well, my gay friend, let me break it to you, HIV is still very serious business.

If you think that PEP or PrEP is the nirvana to the epidemic, check this out:  the possible side effects of the
PEP and PrEP pill regiments read like a Pepto Bismol advert: nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, just to name a few.  

Dinner date anyone?    

And remember: these pills will not be effective for everyone. (A panacea it ain’t, gurlz.)

Also, let’s not forget the pretty price – 28 days at over $1000. Forget about that Hawaiian vacation y’all. And, by the way, if you think that “wonderful” American healthcare insurance plan you have will look kindly on footing the bill, sorry to break it to you but fat chance.

And, ask any of your HIV + friends if they enjoy living with the virus, the constant daily pill regiments & cocktails, the regular doctor’s appointments, the health complications, the dating complications, the social repercussions. Chances are you’ll find out: HIV is no walk in the park.

If this hasn’t sold you yet on the power of prevention in 2011, here’s a chilling reminder, an estimated 62% of new HIV infections are transmitted from primary....

Say what??

This means that these new positive guys contracted it from their main sexual partner, not in a back alley, nor at a meth gang bang, contrary to many a gay’s commonly held belief.

There’s an important point here fellas, if you haven’t caught on, nothing beats the “three c’s and a t” of the prevention world: communication, condoms, counseling and testing.

So, despite any and all setbacks, wrapping before tapping does a body good. It’s good for bottoms, it’s good for tops.
Hell, it’s good for everyone.

Whether cruising craigslist, prowling the hills of Hollywood, or just enjoying some vanilla lovin’ at home with your boo, protect yourself. Leave the mess for the rest.

To find free condoms in the hood, check out our inthemoment.tv site, and look for the free condom tab at left. Not only are our free condoms excellent quality (Durex or Crown – Hey-Hey) they’re everywhere! So no excuses gay Gary: Get wrapping and tapping!

LAGLC PEP clinic hours of operation:
M-F 11:30 – 7pm
323-860-5855 and press #4

links:

PEP studies: http://www.avert.org/pep-prep-hiv.htm
Viral loads: http://www.prezista.com/patients/important-resources/hiv-aids-glossary
Report on transmission between primary partners:

http://journals.lww.com/aidsonline/Abstract/2009/06010/Estimating_t...