It must be acknowledged that the most effective way to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is to use condoms every time you have sex. It is also an easy method that shows responsibility both to your partner and yourself. However, if you frequently change sexual partners or use drugs and alcohol, there is no method that can provide 100% protection. The chance of mistakes is always present. Repeat HIV test after practicing protection is another option that helps confirm that you are truly safe from the virus.
Factors that increase the risk of infection
- Frequently changing sexual partners or engaging with sex workers
- Using drugs, which impair judgment
- Consuming alcohol to the point of intoxication, leading to loss of self-control
- Engaging in rough sex or not using proper lubrication
- Using condoms incorrectly or using damaged condoms
Why should you repeat HIV test even after protection?
An HIV test is similar to an annual health check-up. Everyone should know their own HIV status in order to plan for the future. People who test positive should quickly enter treatment to prevent illness and the progression to AIDS. Those who test negative can take steps to stay protected and free from infection.
Many people are confident that they only have one partner, but sometimes we can’t know for sure if our partner has been involved with others. The intention is not to cause discord in relationships, but according to statistics and the experiences of many couples, one partner may be secretly involved with someone else. It’s a reality that we don’t always spend 24 hours a day with our loved ones, or in some cases, long-distance relationships or living in different places make it difficult to know for sure if our partner is completely safe. That’s why it’s important to get an HIV test.
Even if you’re confident you’re using condoms correctly, some sexually transmitted infections, such as genital herpes or genital warts, can still be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Even if condoms are used, the virus can still be transmitted through areas not covered by the condom. Those with other sexually transmitted infections are at a higher risk of contracting HIV faster than others. Therefore, even if you’re taking precautions, it’s still important to get tested regularly, at least twice a year.
“Protect correctly, stay far from HIV”
Frequent risk? Repeat HIV test and take PrEP to help
PrEP is an option for those at risk. If you frequently change sexual partners, have multiple partners, engage with sex workers, inject drugs, or have a partner with a different HIV status, you should consider starting PrEP today. PrEP can prevent HIV infection by over 95% when used alongside condoms, which still help protect against other sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
PrEP is easy to take—just one pill a day or as needed. You don’t have to take it for life; you can choose to take it during times of higher risk. If you get married or have a stable partner, you can stop taking it. However, it’s important that those who take PrEP are not already HIV-positive. This medication cannot be purchased online because you need to consult a doctor before starting the medication and undergo a health check-up every time.
Where to get PrEP for free?
PrEP in Bangkok:
- Anonymous Clinic, Thai Red Cross Society
- Rainbow Medical Technology Clinic, Ramkhamhaeng
- SWING Foundation (Sex Workers in Groups) – Silom Branch
- SWING Foundation (Sex Workers in Groups) – Saphan Khwai Branch
- Silom Community Clinic @ TropMed
- Rak Phuen Clinic, Taksin Hospital
- Rak Phuen Clinic, Rajpipat Hospital
- HIV Asia Foundation
- Buddy Chulalongkorn Clinic
PrEP in Chonburi:
- SWING Foundation (Sex Workers in Groups) – Pattaya Branch
- Rainbow Medical Technology Clinic, Chonburi
PrEP in Chiang Mai:
- CAREMAT Health Center, Chiang Mai
- M-PLUS Foundation, Chiang Mai
PrEP in Udon Thani:
- M-FRIENDS Foundation
PrEP in Songkhla:
- Rainbow Medical Technology Clinic, Hat Yai
PrEP in Ubon Ratchathani:
- Rainbow Medical Technology Clinic, Ubon Ratchathani
Book a repeat HIV test for free here: love2test.org
Sexual activity is a natural part of life, and so is getting an HIV test. It’s important to view blood tests as a regular, normal part of checking your sexual health. Everyone can have sex, but we must be confident that we are prepared and know how to protect ourselves properly.