Treatment as Prevention
Treatment as prevention is when an HIV-positive person is on a HIV medication schedule to reduce HIV in their blood stream to undetectable levels. If an HIV-positive person is engaged in medical care every three to six months and taking their medication as directed, they reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to a negative parter by up to 96%, according to McCord.
READ: Types Of HIV Tests & How They Work
PEP
PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is a prescription drug that helps to reduce the risk of HIV after a possible exposure. PEP can be used for those who are sexually involved, sharing drug equipment, etc. PEP is not a sustainable way to prevent HIV, as it is only used one time.
“In this case, the HIV-negative partner would go to a medical professional and get a prescription for an HIV regimen. Take that regimen as soon as possible after that exposure for 28 to 30 days to reduce their risk of HIV,” explained McCord
PrEP
Similar to PEP, PrEP (also known as Truvada) aids in lowering the risk of HIV transmission. PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is more suitable for long-term couples and taken by the HIV-negative partner on a daily basis.
“PrEP is a sustainable way to prevent HIV. There are various international clinical studies in different communities (heterosexual, homosexual, and a small number of transgender women) that shows greatly reduced risk of HIV transmission if the negative person is on PrEP,” said McCord.
With PrEP, the reduced rate of transmission can go as high as 99%.
Family Planning
If you are in a mixed status relationship, there are many ways to ensure that your child will be HIV-negative. Before highly effective HIV treatment, about one in four children born to HIV-positive mothers was also HIV-positive, according to McCord. Today, we know how to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to a newborn to nearly zero.
READ: CDC Says Report That Half Of Gay Black Men May Be Diagnosed With HIV Is ‘A Call To Action’
Resources
Having a supportive medical provider to walk you through family planning is essential for support and education. HIVE, formally known as BAPAC, offers prenatal, preconception and women’s HIV care. They are located in California, but they also offer services outside of the San Francisco area.
You can also call the UCSF Clinical Consultation Center at (888) 448-8765 for more resources.
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