Sexual Orientation and PrEP: Who Should Take PrEP for HIV?

Sexual orientation is an essential aspect of our identity, and it influences our sexual behaviour and health decisions. Deciding who should take a medication such as PrEP and how to start using it can be confusing, particularly for those who identify as LGBTQ+. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on sexual orientation and PrEP, answering questions about who should take PrEP for HIV, what different sexual orientations may need to use PrEP, how to start using PrEP, and where you can buy PrEP.

Are any sexual orientations more prone to HIV transmission?

No, specific sexual orientations themselves are not inherently more prone to HIV transmission. HIV transmission occurs through specific behaviours, such as unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) with an infected partner, sharing needles or syringes with someone who is HIV-positive, or through mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding.

Does sexual orientation matter for HIV PrEP usage?

Sexual orientation does not determine the need for HIV PrEP usage on its own. The decision to use PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) should be based on an individual's specific risk factors and sexual behaviours, rather than solely on their sexual orientation. PrEP is recommended for individuals who are at high risk of acquiring HIV through sexual activity or injection drug use. This includes individuals who engage in condomless sex with partners whose HIV status is unknown, have multiple sexual partners, engage in high-risk sexual activities, or have a partner who is HIV-positive.

Can a gay man take HIV PrEP?

Gay men, like any other individuals, should consider using PrEP if they engage in behaviours that put them at risk for HIV transmission. This may include condomless anal sex, having multiple sexual partners, or engaging in high-risk sexual activities. Gay men should consider speaking to a healthcare professional prior to using PrEP to ensure that it would be the right course of action for their particular circumstances.

Can a lesbian take HIV PrEP?

Yes, a lesbian can use PrEP to protect themselves against HIV infections. Whilst the primary mode of HIV transmission is lower compared to other populations, it's important to note that HIV transmission can still occur in lesbian women. This can happen through sharing injection equipment, or through transmission via vaginal fluids. Lesbians who engage in behaviours that put them at risk for HIV transmission, such as sharing needles or engaging in sexual activities that may involve contact with blood or vaginal fluids, may consider PrEP as an additional preventive measure.

Can a straight man take HIV PrEP?

Yes, straight men could and should use PrEP to protect themselves against HIV infections if they are deemed to be of high risk. Straight men are still at risk of getting HIV and, when they are considered to be at high risk of infection, may need to use PrEP to ensure that they are keeping themselves protected. Straight men who are considered to be most at risk of HIV infections include those that have unprotected sex with partners whose HIV status is unknown, and men who regularly use shared injection equipment. 

Can a straight woman take HIV PrEP?

Yes, straight women should take HIV PrEP if they are deemed to be high risk. PrEP is not limited by gender or sexual orientation.The primary mode of transmission for straight women is through unprotected sexual contact from an infected partner, however, they are also susceptible to other forms of transmission such as sharing injection equipment. PrEP is recommended for use by those who are at the highest risk of infection. If a heterosexual woman is deemed to be at high risk then she should absolutely use PrEP. 

Can a bisexual person take HIV PrEP?

A bisexual person should use PrEP to protect themselves against HIV if they are at high risk of contracting the virus. Being bisexual means experiencing attraction, both romantically and/or sexually, to more than one gender. The risk for a bisexual person is the same for a heterosexual or gay person as the danger comes from exposure to the virus. If a bisexual person is thought to be at high risk of HIV then they will be able to use PrEP to prevent infection. 

Can a transexual person take HIV PrEP?

Currently, the more accepted term for ‘transexual’ is now transgender. Being transgender refers to a person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. A transgender person may need to use PrEP to protect against HIV infection if they are considered to be at high risk. 

How can people take PrEP? 

PrEP can be used in different ways to protect against HIV infections. The two main ways HIV can be prevented by PrEP are:

• Daily PrEP - The most common and recommended method is taking a generic Truvada pill containing a combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine once a day.

• On-demand PrEP - This method involves taking PrEP medication before and after specific high-risk sexual activities. 

How can someone start HIV PrEP treatment?

It is simple and easy to start using PrEP medication if you feel that you need to. Simply complete our FREE online consultation to find out if this medication would work for you. This will then be medically reviewed, and if accepted, the medication will be dispensed by a registered pharmacy.

Is HIV PrEP available to buy online?

You can purchase the daily version of PrEP that contains emtricitabine and tenofovir (generic Truvada) online from UK Meds by simply completing our free online consultation. As we mentioned above, the online consultation form is then reviewed and if accepted, the medication will be dispensed. Buying medications online, such as PrEP, is legal and safe and all the medications we offer are dispensed by registered pharmacies.

PrEP is also available on subscription with UK Meds. You can choose to have the medication as a one-off or every 3 months. Subscribing is the cheapest and most hassle-free way to get your medication, as you can save up to 10% and we will deliver it straight to you at the frequency of your choosing.

Also, all prescription medications from UK Meds, including PrEP are shipped in unmarked discreet packaging, so only you need to know what is inside.

Sources

• Prep Daily - Gay, Straight, Bisexual, Trans: Who Should Take Prep for HIV?

• LGBT Foundation - Prep

• BMC Public Health - Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Use Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men: Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study

• AIDS Research and Therapy - Community attitudes towards HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the WHO European Region: a systematic review

• PubMed Central - PrEP for HIV Prevention: A UK Perspective

• Included Health - The Facts about PrEP