PrEP Stories: Codey
Before starting PrEP my anxiety levels were quite high. Every time I had sex I’d be worried about the condom breaking and it really affected the level of enjoyment. In the past I had encounters where I’d forgotten to use condoms which led to a month-long course of PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis, which is different to PrEP) . It was a really stressful experience and one that I never want again as the medication made me quite ill.
When I heard about PrEP I was skeptical but I was also uneducated. The academic in me needed more information and reassurance that it worked and was safe. A friend of mine had just started taking PrEP so I was able to ask questions about his experience which really helped me in taking the first step. That prompted me to do my own research and get more facts about how successful PrEP has been.
Learn more about PrEP basics HERE
I decided to go on PrEP as I am quite sexually active and wanted an extra layer of safety. I use condoms most of the time but in reality slip ups do happen, and I wanted extra protection. I booked my appointment with my doctor at a sexual health clinic and explained why I wanted to start PrEP. The doctor was supportive, extremely thorough and explained what was involved and got me started with all of the relevant tests. The whole process was actually quite simple and I was able to get my PrEP prescription on my second clinic visit.
Click HERE to know what to expect at your first PrEP appointment.
Initially I ordered generic PrEP from overseas at Green Cross Pharmacy (a reputable and recommended online pharmacy) at $24 for a months’ supply. I would scan and upload my PrEP prescription, follow the online prompts and pay online. Delivery was prompt with PrEP arriving to my door within a week in discreet packaging. I have friends who choose to have PrEP delivered at work or to a PO Box, so that is always an option. Ordering from online pharmacies is a valid option for anyone, particularly if you don’t have a Medicare card, as you do require Medicare if you order from a local pharmacy with the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) government subsidy.
Once PrEP became available on the PBS I started accessing it from my local pharmacy. It is a little more expensive ($40 for a months’ supply) but it’s very convenient for me. I leave my script at my local pharmacy, drop in once a month and they always have PrEP in stock (which some chemists don’t, so you may need to pre-order and pay in advance).
I’ve been taking PrEP for close to 4 years now and it has dramatically reduced the anxiety of having sex with guys, regardless of their HIV status. It’s really helped me breakdown the stigma of having sex with HIV positive guys and I’ve been able to learn more about HIV through conversations with friends in the positive community.
‘Now of PrEP, a persons HIV status is irrelevant to me & the experience is stress free & fun as it should be’
PrEP is a game changer in the battle against HIV and HIV stigma, and evidence of that is it’s accessibility through the PBS. When I first commenced PrEP four years ago there was a lot of ‘slut shaming’ within my own community. Today PrEP used to prevent HIV is quite common among gay men and is widely accepted as an effective way to take control of your sexual health, and that’s empowering! I hope that my story encourages more people in the community to get on board.
Learn more about the basics of PrEP, HERE
Find Online Pharmacies HERE (No Medicare card required)
Find information about PBS access HERE (Medicare card required).
Find your local PrEP prescriber HERE
