Chapter 6: PrEP: Prevention in a Pill

Armor You Take

📋 Session Overview

Duration: 75-90 minutes

Part: Part III - Medical Shields: Pills and Shots that Protect

MATCH Connection: Medications (M)

🎯 Learning Objectives

💡 Key Concepts from the Ebook

📦 Materials Needed

🚀 Opening Activity (10 minutes)

PrEP Myths: True or False

Purpose: Surface and address stigma and misinformation about PrEP.

StatementAnswerReality
"PrEP is only for promiscuous people" FALSE PrEP is for anyone at risk, including people in relationships with HIV+ partners
"PrEP is 100% effective" MOSTLY TRUE >99% effective for sex when taken daily; consistency matters
"PrEP causes serious side effects" FALSE Most people have no side effects; mild nausea possible at first
"You can skip PrEP on days you're not having sex" FALSE Daily adherence ensures consistent protection; skipping reduces effectiveness
"PrEP protects against all STIs" FALSE ONLY prevents HIV; still need barriers for other STIs

📚 Core Content (35 minutes)

"PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is one of the most powerful medical tools in the modern safER sex toolkit. It is a daily pill taken by HIV-negative people to prevent them from contracting HIV. Think of it as a daily armor that, when taken consistently, provides a highly effective barrier against the virus."

Part 1: How PrEP Works (10 minutes)

From the ebook: "PrEP medications contain two drugs that are also used to treat HIV. When taken regularly, these drugs build up a protective shield in the body. If HIV enters the bloodstream, the medication prevents the virus from replicating and establishing a permanent infection."

🛡️ PrEP = Daily Armor

Think of it like this:

Active Ingredients:

Part 2: Effectiveness - The Power of Consistency (8 minutes)

⚡ The Golden Rule (from the ebook):

"PrEP only works if you take it. Consistency is the key to its power."

Transmission Route Effectiveness Key Factor
Sexual Transmission Over 99% effective Daily adherence critical
Injection Drug Use At least 74% effective Higher with consistent use

Real-world data: When taken 4+ times per week, PrEP provides strong protection. 7 days per week = maximum protection.

Part 3: Who Should Consider PrEP? (7 minutes)

From the ebook: "PrEP is recommended for anyone who is HIV-negative and at a higher risk of contracting HIV."

You might be a good candidate if you:

Important Clarification

PrEP is NOT just for "high-risk" people. It's for anyone who wants to take control of their HIV prevention. Even people in monogamous relationships use PrEP for added confidence.

Part 4: Getting Started with PrEP (10 minutes)

The 3-Step Process (from the ebook):

Step What Happens Why It Matters
1. Talk to Your Doctor Discuss sexual history, lifestyle, and whether PrEP is right for you PrEP requires a prescription; doctor assesses candidacy
2. Get Tested HIV test (must be negative to start), Hepatitis B test, kidney function test Ensures PrEP is safe for you and establishes baseline
3. Regular Follow-Up Every 3 months: HIV test, STI screening, prescription refill, check-in Monitors effectiveness, catches any issues early, maintains protection

Cost & Access:

Part 5: What PrEP Does NOT Do (Critical!) (5 minutes)

⚠️ From the Ebook:

"It is essential to remember that PrEP only protects against HIV. It does not protect against other STIs (like syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or HPV) or prevent pregnancy. For comprehensive safER sex, PrEP is best used in combination with condoms and regular STI testing."

PrEP is ONE piece of your MATCH framework:

💬 Discussion Questions (15 minutes)

Facilitate Group Discussion:

  1. What stigma or judgment have you heard about people who take PrEP?
    • Unpack: "Truvada whore" slur, assumptions about sexual behavior, respectability politics
  2. Why do you think PrEP uptake is still lower than it could be, given its effectiveness?
    • Barriers: Stigma, cost perception, lack of awareness, provider reluctance, systemic racism
  3. How would you explain PrEP to a friend who's never heard of it?
    • Practice: Brief, clear, shame-free explanation
  4. What questions would you want answered before starting PrEP?
    • Capture: Side effects, drug interactions, lifestyle changes, partner disclosure

🎨 Interactive Activity (15 minutes)

"Am I a Candidate?" Self-Assessment

Purpose: Help participants evaluate whether PrEP might be right for them.

Instructions: Provide worksheet with yes/no questions. Participants complete anonymously.

Sample Questions:

  1. Are you HIV-negative (or unsure of your status)?
  2. Do you have a sexual partner who is HIV-positive?
  3. Do you sometimes have sex without using condoms?
  4. Have you had an STI in the past 6 months?
  5. Do you inject drugs and share needles/works?
  6. Would having extra protection give you peace of mind during sex?
  7. Are you willing to take a daily pill and do 3-month checkups?

Scoring: "Yes" to 2+ questions = consider talking to a doctor about PrEP

Debrief: Emphasize this is self-reflection, not judgment. Provide list of local PrEP providers for those interested.

🔄 Closing & Reflection (10 minutes)

Chapter 6 Takeaway

"PrEP is a revolutionary tool that puts the power of HIV prevention directly into your hands. It is a choice that allows you to pursue pleasure with confidence and significantly reduce your risk of contracting HIV. Talk to your doctor—it could be the most important safER sex decision you make."

PrEP Quick Facts

Reflection Prompt:

"Whether or not PrEP is right for you, what's one thing you learned today that changed your understanding of HIV prevention?"

Take-Home Challenge

📌 Preview Next Session

Next: Chapter 7: PEP: The 72-Hour Window—the emergency option when prevention didn't happen. We'll cover when to use PEP, the critical 72-hour window, and how to access it fast.

Resources to Share

HARNESS Curriculum | Chapter 6 Complete Lesson Plan

© Christopher Zacharie | Fearless, Aware, and Protected