Hey Team, I hope this message arrives to you safe and well.
Coronavirus and COVID-19 has had a massive impact on our sex lives. Suddenly we have been hit by a virus that is so easily shared, close contact – 15 minutes face to face is enough for the virus to be passed. As you can imagine sex is a whole new ball game.
At this time sex is really not an option. Getting up and close with anyone at this time is a huge risk of infection. For this reason many have opted to go solo for a while. I highly recommend this. But what can we do instead?
Below is a video I made for Thorne Harbour Health here in Melbourne. It’s absolutely relevant no matter where you live.
If you are currently on PrEP and not having sex, do you need to continue taking it? The answer is it’s up to you. Check out this video that explains how to stop and start PrEP if you wish to.
Cis Males who have sex with other males
Stopping PrEP
You can stop taking PrEP 2 days after your last potential exposure to HIV
Restarting PrEP
- On day 1 take 2 tablets of PrEP 2-24h before you have sex
- There forward you take 1 tablet of PrEP every day
- Don’t forget to get back to regular three monthly screening with your doctor
Intermittent PrEP
- Only tested for cis males who have sex with other men
- Not for people living with Hepatitis B
- Take 2 tablets of PrEP 2-24h before sex
- If you have sex, you take a single tablet of PrEP every 24h till 48h has passed since your last sexual activity
PrEP For All Other People
Stopping PrEP
You can stop daily PrEP 28 days
Restarting PrEP
- You can restart taking PrEP on a daily basis
- You need daily PrEP for at least 7 days to have protective concentrations in the body
Intermittent PrEP
Unfortunately intermittent PrEP is not recommended. Daily PrEP is your safest option.
Michael Baker, M. D. says
Thanks for posting common-sense information for sex in these trying times.. I am a retired physician and no longer have a broad voice to spread information. Keep the information coming!!