As a doctor with over 500,000 social media followers, I get daily questions from young people panicking after unprotected sex. Guys worry about infections, and girls stress about pregnancy. But there’s a safety net many still don’t know about: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). It drastically reduces your risk of HIV, and it’s something everyone should understand.
My Experience with PrEP Questions
The typical messages I receive sound like this: “Hey Doc, I had unprotected sex last night. Should I be worried?” or “How do I know if I’m safe from HIV?” These moments of panic could be avoided if more people knew about PrEP. Knowing you’re protected with PrEP provides unmatched peace of mind, especially if something goes wrong during sex—like a condom breaking.
What Is PrEP and How Does It Work?
PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a medication that protects you from contracting HIV before you’re exposed. There are two main options:
- Daily oral PrEP: Medications like Truvada or Descovy are taken daily to offer consistent protection.
- Bi-monthly injections: With the newer Apretude, you can receive an injection every two months after an initial shot and one after a month.
Both forms of PrEP provide 99% protection when used properly for sex, but they don’t protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are still recommended for full protection.
For more details on PrEP and how it works, check out the NIH PrEP resource.
When Should You Start PrEP?
PrEP is recommended for anyone at risk of HIV. This includes people with multiple sexual partners, those in relationships where one partner is HIV-positive, or people who use injection drugs. Before starting, you need an HIV test to confirm you’re negative, and you’ll continue regular testing every three months.
How Should You Take PrEP?
- Daily oral PrEP: It takes 7 days of daily use to reach full protection for receptive anal sex and 21 days for vaginal sex. To stay protected, you must take it every day.
- Injectable PrEP: You start with a shot, get another after one month, and then switch to an injection every two months.
Why PrEP Is So Important
Life is unpredictable. Whether it’s a broken condom, an impulsive moment, or simply being unsure about a partner’s status, PrEP gives you the backup you need. I always tell my patients, “You wouldn’t drive without a seatbelt, so why have sex without protection?”
PrEP ensures that you’re in control of your sexual health, even when things don’t go according to plan.
The Fear of Pregnancy or Infection
While many young people worry about pregnancy, tracking menstrual cycles or relying on “safe days” doesn’t protect against HIV or STIs. I remind my patients that HIV doesn’t care about your period. Having PrEP as a backup protects you, no matter the timing.
Taking Control of Your Sexual Health
Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or having casual encounters, PrEP offers you peace of mind. It’s easy to access and could be the best decision you make to protect yourself. If you’re sexually active, consider PrEP as part of your health plan. To learn more, visit this page for full details.
You can visit the official National STD/AIDS Control Programme website for more information on PrEP, HIV testing, STI treatment, and other services. They provide resources to help prevent the transmission of HIV and syphilis, including the elimination of mother-to-child transmission.
For more details, visit their website: National STD/AIDS Control Programme or contact their hotline at +94 703 733 933 or +94 112 667 163.
Here’s the full list of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) services available across Sri Lanka:
- STD Clinic Embilipitiya: DGH Embilipitiya, Contact: 047-2230261
- NSACP STD Clinic Colombo: 29, De Saram Place, Colombo 10. Contact: 0706477044
- STD Clinic Kalutara: District General Hospital Kalutara, Contact: 034-2236937
- STD Clinic Chilaw: District General Hospital Chilaw, Contact: +94 322 220 750
- STD Clinic Badulla: Teaching Hospital Badulla, Contact: 0552 222 578
- STD Clinic Kegalle: Teaching Hospital Kegalle, Contact: +94 352 231 222
- STD Clinic Polonnaruwa: District General Hospital Polonnaruwa, Contact: 027-2225787
- STD Clinic Ragama: Inside Ragama Government Hospital, Contact: 0112960224
- STD Clinic Gampaha: District Hospital Gampaha
- STD Clinic Negombo: Base Hospital, Negombo, Contact: 031-2-224156
- STD Clinic Wathupitiwala: Base Hospital Wathupitiwala, Contact: +94 77 111 9133
- STD Clinic Matara: Government Hospital Matara, Contact: 041-2232302
- STD Clinic Mahamodara: Teaching Hospital, Galle, Contact: 091-2245998
- STD Clinic Kurunegala: Teaching Hospital Kurunegala, Contact: 037-2224339
- STD Clinic Anuradhapura: Teaching Hospital, Contact: 025-2236461, 076 328 4431
- STD Clinic Hambantota: Old General Hospital, Hambantota, Contact: 047-2222247
- STD Clinic Jaffna: Teaching Hospital Jaffna, Contact: 021-2217756
These clinics offer HIV testing, PrEP, and other STI treatments for free. You can also book appointments via Know4Sure.lk.