My journey with PrEP

As a gay Veteran and employee at VA, I feel I have a unique perspective on the intersection of personal identity and health care. My journey toward being more proactive and taking control of my own health led me to pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, a preventive medication for HIV that I currently use. By sharing my experience, I am encouraging my fellow Veterans to consider all aspects of their health care.

PrEP involves taking a prescribed medication that has been proven to reduce the risk of contracting HIV through sex by about 99% and by at least 74% through intravenous drug use, according to the CDC. For someone like me, who has seen friends and colleagues struggle with health issues that could have been prevented, PrEP represents more than just a medical prescription, it represents a commitment to life and health.

For Veterans, discussing topics like sexual health or preventive treatments such as PrEP can sometimes be challenging due to the stigma or misconceptions surrounding them. However, VA is evolving to support all of us by providing inclusive and comprehensive care, including access to PrEP.

For anyone at risk of HIV

After all, PrEP isn’t solely a tool for the LGBTQ+ community; it’s a critical resource for anyone at risk of HIV, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes heterosexual individuals, people who inject drugs and persons at risk for HIV who are of childbearing potential. PReP is also encouraged for those with partners of unknown or positive HIV status, and is safe during pregnancy.

By expanding the conversation about PrEP beyond LGBTQ+ circles, we can help destigmatize its use and encourage a broader spectrum of people to consider this effective form of prevention. It’s about protecting all communities and empowering everyone with the knowledge and means to take charge of their health.

Making the decision to start PrEP was a significant step for me. It wasn’t just about prevention, it was about taking control of my health and making a proactive choice for my well-being. It was about standing up and saying, “I value my health and my future.” This is the mindset I hope to instill in my fellow Veterans.

So, here is my call to action: Ask your doctor if this is the right move for you! Talk to your VA provider, discuss your health history and see if oral or injectable PrEP is right for you.

As Veterans, we’ve faced numerous battles, but the battle for our health is one we must fight with knowledge and proactive choices. Let’s embrace our health needs with the courage we have shown in all other aspects of our lives. Together, we can lead by example and create a healthier future for all Veterans.