Wednesday, September 7, 2011

My PrEP Experience - Leo from NYC tells his story

by Leo, NYC

I am a 47 year old gay white male who began using Prep (Truvada) about 4 months ago, in April 2011. (That's my dog on the left.)

My medical doctor suggested that based on frequent sexual encounters (mostly hooking up with men from Manhunt and Adam for Adam) that I should take the medication.

I tested negative for HIV when I started taking the medication. I have not had any side effects from taking the medication. My insurance company is currently covering the cost (I have a $50 co-pay).

I have had sex without condoms on many occasions since I began taking the medication (anal sex both as a top and bottom). Before I have sex with a guy I do ask his HIV status. I have not been using condoms only with guys who say they are negative ( although I think at least one of the guys was positive). I do not cum inside anyone and I do not let anyone cum inside of me. Also if I notice that the guy that I am with has a lot of pre-cum I make him wear a condom if I am going to bottom.

I have been testing myself every month (I order the test kits on line...its cheaper than going to the doctor) since I began using the medication and I have tested negative each time.

I last tested negative on August 27, 2011.


Click here to pull up all the My PrEP Experience stories posted on LifeLube, including video and written testimonials, from other people sharing their PrEP* experiences. Please feel free to share your reactions in the comments section. And if you have used PrEP, we invite you to share your PrEP experience by video, or in writing. Why did you make the decision to use PrEP? What were some of the challenges you faced in making this decision? How is taking PrEP working out for you? How has it impacted your life? Send video or audio links and/or text to myprepexperience@gmail.com and we will post them here, on LifeLube.  You can include your name, or you may contribute to My PrEP Experience anonymously. Your voice is important!  Please consider sharing your personal experience with PrEP at My PrEP Experience.


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