I received a question from a viewer named Jared concerning a very controversial topic these days – Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) aka a daily dose of the drug Truvada. I decided to take Truvada after doing lots of research on my own, talking to my doctor, and consulting with a friend who is brilliant doctor. I believe that it is the right decision for me; that does not mean it is the right decision for everyone else. Someone interested in the PrEP program should do his or her own research and seek several professional opinions, only then can they make an informed rational decision as to whats the best decision. Check out my full response below..
Below is Jared’s question. Remember you can submit your question right here on the site.
Name: Jared
Subject: PrEP & Condomless Sex
Message:
Hey Marc:
I stumbled across your youtube channel a bit ago, and I love your
blogs as you come across as really genuine and really down to Earth,
quite amazing and refreshing. I’m sure you get thousands of messages,
but I thought why not.
You’ve talked a lot about barebacking in the adult industry, and for
what it’s worth I thought what you said was spot on. But there appears
to be a new debate in our community over alleged increased barebacking
due to the availability of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). As you’ve
said we’ve all had “slip-ups” and I’m certainly no better than anyone
else in that department. But I started on PrEP almost 6 months ago,
haven’t missed a day taking it, and have had no side effects. But ever
since being on the regimen, I have affirmatively sought to have
condomless sex (as opposed to a “slip-up”), since I am strictly
compliant with the PrEP regimen and guidelines and I know all the
risks vis-a-vis the rest of the STI alphabet soup, and I’ve tried to
learn as much as I can to educate myself on HIV, transmission, new
studies, science being done etc.
On the high note, I think I’ve had more enjoyable sex in the last 6
months, than I have in the last 10 years since I came out, I’m
currently 27. But at the same time, I still feel a bit of guilt that
I’m reinforcing the slut-shaming and fear-mongering that has been
going on about PrEP since it was approved by the FDA.
So I guess my bottom-line question is, no pun intended, whether I
should feel guilty for having bareback sex as long as I stay compliant
etc. Also, I’m curious as to your thoughts and opinion about PrEP if
you have any, as it’s such a breakthrough in our struggle against HIV.
I guess I feel comfortable asking you because based on your responses
to other questions on other topics, I’d bet an honest answer from you
without any “slut-shaming” as I imagine you’d have no tolerance for
that. I know it’s a million to one shot you’ll see this, but I thought
what the hell. Hope you stay well, cheers.
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mary gresham says
Great reply Marc and this is something I’d like to you about, if you don’t mind.
frankie says
Marc, very thoughtful analysis on this topic…Thanks for coming out on taking Truvada and offering your fierce opinions….again WE all must take responsibility for our health and our bodies…do your research..life is a balance…be true to yourself and kind to others
apollo eros says
Marc, you seem to to be a Nature Boy who loves the feel of skin to skin in your honey pot. That is why munching on your sweat ass until it is raw would be so endearing. But it would be an expensive butt lunch because Travada is $1,600 for 30 pills. How do you, or anyone, afford that?
FRANK says
This is a hot topic….not sure if all the questions have been raised. Recently searched google
for any concerns….one that appeared was articles statingTravada as having only 1 manufacturer advises
discontinuance if hep positive. Worldwide hep alert can be found on Alison.com as a
concern with the unknowns surrounding its contagious possibilities ie blood spills around grp
shaving area and exposure time durations for example of left over stuff possibly being
strong enough for days or a week. So things we take for granted we may have to be
extra cautious similar to the once doubtful
thought of contracting
HIV from a dentist without fooling around or the shift to the point that laws should be passed that Dentist have to use new needles around this issue.. There is a new hepc med now available but haven’t seen any interactive concerns
or progress perhaps from generic sources working on generic Travada that might work out this issue. As for affording the Truveda there
have been articles on qualifications based on income for discounted prices…..besides insurance with
doctors recommendations. CDC has released infor this past year on accidental HIV infections and the longer
term research supporting a 30 day daily dosage of what I cant say for sure, but the concern with this that
it wasn’t promoted over a ten year period of success was around reinfection and longer term possibilities
of effectiveness of what variations seem to work with what strains and any evolutions of strains. One lecture
I heard from a virus radio show researcher presented the different animals that likely bit or scratched humans
effecting the strength of the virus and how the virus likely evolved within the two types of animals over time
for the two strains HIV1 and HIV2. Hep research has been underway too for identifying other strains
beyond Hep c. The old lecture was don’t get shit in your mouth…. alision.com presents blood
residues as sometimes being difficult to detect when our guard is down. The over the counter test
for Hep c when I last took it stated it takes a year to possibly show up on the test…..so this makes
by comparison to salvia HIV testing much more a patient and slower paced relationship with others to test
and take seriously, as with even as great or greater concern then the early decades of HIV and AIDS. Marc
Dylans’ Youtube Condom or the Blue Pill……suggest this type of STD prevention awareness and risks. Perhaps
Mark can update us from qualified sources on this issue like the drug manufuacturer, as Hep C appears left out of his list on that Youtube video and Hep c
would likely
be a dam besides testing issue around tongue action in the butt like the throat areas for virus growths.and risks of HepC.