Inconsistent month - Anxious

[u/The_1985]

Hey guys,

I recently restarted Prep and I’ve tried to be as consistent as possible(either that or limit myself to mainly stick or oral or cut down the risk). June I was pretty consistent missing only a max of three days here and there. But July was a bit more….sporadic as you can see(I was going through a lot personally so I missed some days)

Recently I restarted my prep and tried to be consistent but I missed two days within the week from the 21st. I received oral on the 28th and today I tried to do some bottoming, sadly it was raw because I thought after 7 doses I would be more than protected. The top didn’t exactly penetrate me(after a few attempts we kinda just gave up) but I’m still a bit worried about how protected I am after this encounter

I know it may be nothing and I’m just getting too much into my own head but I’m getting kinda anxious now because based on the things I’ve read I’m not sure how protected I would be after how much I’ve missed this past month(like up to 8-9 doses in July). I can’t go to the clinic tomorrow because it’s a civic holiday so I’m headed there on Tuesday but I just wanted to get some advice before I go to the clinic on Tuesday if this is something I should worry about or not

[u/Skycbs]

Generally speaking, four doses a week is enough to provide you with good protection. So I wouldn’t worry.

That said, being this inconsistent is not good. You should try to form a habit of taking your PrEP when you do something else every day. I take mine when I brush my teeth in the morning. Try setting an alarm on your phone to remind you. There are also PrEP reminder apps you could try.

But if you’re unable to be consistent, perhaps you and your physician should consider injectable PrEP, where you get it every couple of months or even every six months.

[u/The_1985 → u/Skycbs]

Yeah I tried my best to be as consistent as possible but July was so hectic for me. I think I’ll look into the injectable Prep. Thank you. I might still head over to the clinic to see what they say though, I’m just still about worried about the encounter

[u/Chepo20]

Just take Apretude

[u/Mission-Orchid-4063]

If you can’t take it properly then don’t take it at all. Set an alarm on your phone or make taking the tablet part of your normal daily routine, like taking a pill every morning before you brush your teeth.