Say it with me now: Paranoid sex is NOT fun sex. And we’re firm believers that sex should be fun. It’s 2020, and there are several ways nowadays to give yourself some peace of mind and protect yourself when you hop on the saddle. While condoms are still pretty cool, we love PrEP because it reduces your chances of getting HIV by 99%! 

So, in what ways can PrEP give me peace of mind during sex? We’re glad you ask!

Rule out as much risk as possible

Did you know that PrEP reduces your chances of getting HIV by 99% when you take it as prescribed? ? Some people feel worried that condoms will break during sex, or that they’ll forget to use them in the heat of the moment. Keep in mind it won’t protect you against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy if you’re having barrier-free sex as a condom would. BUT it gives you an added layer of protection if you use condoms some or all of the time. 

Ease your anxiety

PrEP can be life-changing for couples where one partner is living with HIV and the other is HIV-negative. For many, it can eliminate or lessen the worry that the partner living with HIV will pass it on to the negative partner. By taking PrEP, couples can get hot and heavy in the moment without fear and simply focus on what feels good.

Improve intimacy

When working together to avoid transmitting HIV, if one partner is living with it, couples see improved intimacy. By maintaining an undetectable viral load (or rocking your treatment to achieve it) and taking PrEP, you and your partner will have extra reassurance during sex that the virus won’t be passed on. We all know it’s hard to let loose and have fun under the sheets when you’re paranoid. Washing your worries away allows you and your partner to relax and increase intimacy. ?

Protect the negative partner within an open relationship

Many couples grow their intimacy by being in an open relationship. Taking PrEP gives you and your partner the freedom to be in an open relationship without the risk of another sexual partner transmitting HIV to you or your significant other. It really is THAT simple, y’all!

Reduce transmission during conception

We all know how pregnancy works here, and it’s a little difficult to conceive while wearing a condom. So what do you do if one partner is living with HIV and you need to have barrier-free sex to conceive? Say hello to the wonderful PrEP that we all know and love! If the negative partner takes PrEP every day for 20 days before having barrier-free sex, it will be safe to conceive without transmission.

Ensure protection in case there’s a history of forgetting to take doses in either partner

We’re all a little forgetful sometimes… okay, maybe more than sometimes. We all have those mornings where we can’t remember if we took our meds or not, or had to sprint out the door because we missed our alarm. By taking PrEP, you or your partner can have a little extra protection if someone misses a dose of their HIV meds.

If you’re thinking about taking PrEP but not sure how to talk to your partner about it, check out this article. It can be a big decision for many people, but you’re taking a great first step by getting informed and learning all the facts!

Ready to get going with PreP?

Now that you’ve got real, accurate information about PrEP, you may be ready to get going. The first step is contacting your primary care provider (PCP).