Question answer by queerlips
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Recent questions answered by QueerLips
Hi, infection with HPV is manageable. There are multiple things to consider for managing HPV infection once infected. For example - most infections with HPV are asymptomatic, harmless, and will resolve on it's own and doesn't require any treatment. If one is facing symptoms like warts - then depending on the severity of it, providers may suggest a few treatment modalities like application of creams, solutions on the warts, or other strategies like laser treatment. The person might be suggested to also consider regular PAP smears to make sure there is no complication linked to the infection. Depending on whether one has active infection or not, using adequate preventive strategies like screening, vaccination for oneself and partner(s) is another thing to consider. All of these need to be discussed with a provider so that the infection is dealt appropriately in each individual. You can read more about this in our article here: https://safeaccess.co.in/hpv-a-comprehensive-guide-to-prevention-detection-and-management/
Swallowing cum/ semen/genital secretions by itself is not harmful. But having said that, unprotected oral sex in general has the risk of transmission of STIs like syphilis, HIV, gonorrhea, clamydia etc and the risk of transmission increases if ejaculation is involved and hence using protection/ condom is recommened. So one will have to assess this risk before engaging in unprotected oral sex including swallowing secretions. Knowing each other's STIs status with regular screenings and discussing that with each other would help you assess your risk.
Understanding your gender identity and sexual orientation can be a complex journey, and it's completely normal to have questions about these aspects of yourself. If you're exploring whether you might be transgender or questioning your attractions, consider connecting with a peer support provider who can offer safe space to explore your feelings. Many people find it helpful to talk through their feelings with someone who empathizes and understands. Here’s a link to our peer support services where you can find someone to talk to: www.safeaccess.co.in/peer-support-service/. Remember, it's okay to take your time to understand your true self.
Hi, thank you for sharing your concern in detail. It is good that you are using protection (condoms) during sex, please continue that. That is a definite good strategy to prevent infections like HIV, Hep B, syphilis etc. Since it's been a year since your last screening tests - it is better to get screening tests done again. (for HIV, Hep B, Hep C, VDRL - Syphilis). You can get these tests once in 6 months depending on how sexually active you are. As for the itching - it would be best if you can visit a provider to get yourself examined. Because this may or may not be related to STIs. Commonly itching can occur in fungal infections and is easily treatable. So do visit a provider and make sure it is managed. Additionally you may also consider getting vaccination for HPV, Hepatitis based on your age and vaccination status. Discuss these as well with the provider.
It's completely natural to feel unsure about how to express your identity. It's important to move at a pace that feels right for you. Our peer support service offer a safe space where you can talk openly with others who may have similar experiences. Speaking with a peer who identifies as bisexual could provide you with insight and strategies for navigating these conversations. Here's the link to our peer support services: www.safeaccess.co.in/peer-support-service/ . Remember, you are not alone, and it's okay to share as much or as little as you're comfortable with.
If the partner with HIV has undetectable viral load in two tests taken 6 months apart (recent reports), then there is zero risk of transmission of HIV through sexual route which is termed U=U (undetectable = untransmittable) - which means if a person is on ART medications regularly and their recent viral loads are undetectable even after a gap of 6 months - then there is no chance of transmission of HIV provided they continue to take ART medications for their infection. The negative partner thus need not be on PrEP in such situation for prevention of HIV through sexual route (same U=U doesn't hold good for other routes of transmission - blood, injectables). But one is always advised to consider protection for other STIs. Depsite this information, couples might take some time to process this reality and may choose to be on PrEP till they feel comfortable and reassured that there is no risk of transmission. Especially when they are planning for pregnancy. Which is also a valid option.
The recommendations of event based PrEP and daily PrEP depends on several factors as described in the article - please refer to it - like frequency of being sexually active, type of sexual activity, gender identity etc. And so efficacy depends on these factors as well. In general daily PrEP has evidence of slightly higher risk reduction than event based PrEP. But discussing your personal needs with a provider and choosing what's best with all these considerations becomes important.
Starting your FTM transition is a big step, and I'm here to help you navigate it! The process often begins with social transition, like using new pronouns and a name that feels right for you. Medical steps can include hormone therapy and, if you choose, surgeries like top surgery. Using a binder is one option for many to help affirm gender identity before or instead of surgery, but it's not the only one. Plus, we've curated an article and two guidebooks on the transition journey that you can check out at our Resource Centre (add link of Resource Centre here filter - Gender Affirming Care) for more detailed guidance. Always consider what feels best for you and consult healthcare professionals to explore all possibilities. Stay informed and true to yourself!
Sure, you can still take the vaccine. All the available vaccines can still be taken after the age of 26yrs. After the age of 15 yrs, you'll be required to take 3 doses - given as 1st shot, 2nd shot (usually after 1-2 months depending on which vaccine) and 3rd dose after 6 months from 1st shot. All the best and remember to keep yourself self using other protective measures as well even after vaccination!
If there was no penetration (oral/anal) involved, the chances of transmission of HIV is less. So no need to be too anxious. But as semen seems to have come in contact with penis tip, there is some risk and so the person can benefit from taking PEP for HIV. Especially because it's within 72hrs. It is advisable to consult a doctor, get a baseline testing done for HIV, Syphilis, Hep B, C and discuss the matter and decide on taking PEP. Also if it's a possibility to get the partner tested that would be helpful to know. But this is not absolutely necessary if not possible.
It is good that you could discuss about it openly with your partner and they've been able to test themselves and you started on PEP. If the sexual activity was penetrative and was unprotective only for 30secs without any ejaculation, the chances of transmission is very low, but because you are not sure if there was contact with pre-cum, to be on the safer side, PEP can be recommeded. Since you've started PEP, it is recommended to complete the 28 days course of PEP. Good that you have continued it. You will most likely turn out to be negative only for HIV. We hope that you have also seen a provider while starting PEP and underwent intial screening tests for HIV, and other basic blood tests before starting PEP. Upon completion of the course of PEP, you are expected to follow up with your provider for testing for HIV. If you're having any symptoms/side effects because of the medications - please do visit the doctor. The usual testing recommendations are - HIV antigen/antibody testing is recommended after the completion of PEP (4 weeks) and repeated at 3 months. The first follow up test result at 4 weeks is usually considered as a good marker of the HIV status but as a recommendation, it is repeated at 3 months after which further testing is unnecessary. Regarding your partner status - we aren't clear of what the test result was - it is better to confirm by openly discussing with each other and a trusted provider to be sure and to then engage in future sexual activity with adequate protection/measures. And until your completion of PEP, it is recommended to not engage in sexual activities.
We have curated social media post "Deep Dive into PEP & PrEP" you can check it out and find many organisation tagged in it who can provide PrEP at minimal or subsidized costs. Based on the location of those organisations and their regioanal offices, you can get PrEP/PEP. Alternatively, you can also buy it from the healhcare practitioners available in your nearest area.
Potential side effects of the medications for PEP and PrEP include - nausea, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, which generally resolves in 1 to 4 weeks. More rare side effects include altered kidney/liver functioning and hence it is recommended that you get baseline tests before starting on the medications to ensure that it is safe for you, and follow up with tests to rule out any side effects.
Efficacy - Studies have shown that event based PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by 86% (through sexual route) when taken as recommended. Efficacy of PrEP to prevent HIV depends on a number of considerations among which taking it without missing doses becomes a major one. And as described in the article, due to lack of adequate evidence of event based PrEP among transindividuals - it is recommended to take daily PrEP and not event based.
Anything to avoid eat or drink on PrEP - there is nothing in particular to avoid but to eat heathly and the tablet is generally advised to be taken with or after food. It is advised to avoid alcohol as it may affect the timing or consistency of taking the tablets.