Raise Your Hand if You Take TRUVADA! BE PROUD!

[Westheangelino]

****RAISES HAND****

I've been on Truvada for nearly five months now. No more anxiety about HIV and no side effects! Our ranks are growing, and several prominent people (including an SF County Supervisor) have come out of the Truvada Whore closet. I know of at least one VERY WELL KNOWN TS porn star who is on it. Will anyone else break the silence and raise their hand? This is the only way we can halt the spread of HIV. THE CLOSET KILLS!!!

[DeezNuts515]

You starting with this bullshit again?

[Westheangelino]

I see no posts about a topic that should be shouted about from the rooftops on this forum. So, yes, here I go again.

HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects our community. Truvada has been proven to be the most powerful weapon against its spread. Why wouldn't I start with this truth (not BS) again?

[lifeisfiction]

Take truvada and remember to play it safe as well. Wrap it and avoid unprotected sex.

[kaientai]

Wes, in the other thread all the links posted it went from 70 to 95% protection from HIV. Happy you did not have the side effects witch include diarea and liver problems (have you had a scan for your liver?) This is not the end all protection and I think you need to be more acurate on that

[AshlynCreamher]

I don't have truvada but I might have a liver disease - found out yesterday :(

[GroobySteven]

Angelina, So do you still take it up the butt without a condom when you're on this? Or is it drug and condom?

[Wendy Summers]

Angelina, So do you still take it up the butt without a condom when you're on this? Or is it drug and condom?

oooo! OOOooo! I know this one!

[ilovelamp]

Being more cautious isn't necessarily a bad thing. But if you take this to skimp on other protection methods, you open yourself up for a whole host of other STD's. Some of which are becoming bigger epidemics with fewer and fewer antibiotics that will effectively treat them.

[Lovecox]

I applaud your courage for sticking your neck out on this issue.

I would be on Truvada if I could afford it.

[natina]

Syphilis Is Surging, and U.S. Public Health Officials Aren't Sure Why


It's hard to miss "SYPHILIS EXPLOSION" ads that prominently feature those capitalized words before a fiery red erupting volcano. They were plastered across BART stations in the Bay Area and billboards in Los Angeles late last year courtesy of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which says the campaign has already appeared in or is heading to Cleveland, Columbus, Baton Rouge, Brooklyn and other cities.

Syphilis, which can cause serious health problems if untreated, is on a troubling upswing across the United States. The rate of primary and secondary syphilis infections fell by nearly 90 percent between 1990 and 2000, but has increased most years since, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report analyzing public health data through 2013. This recent wave of syphilis is mostly a problem confronting gay men—or, to use the broader medical term, men who have sex with men. Between 2000 and 2004 alone, the CDC reports that the estimated proportion of primary and secondary syphilis infections attributable to men having sex with men rose dramatically, from 7 percent to 64 percent.

Nationwide, the CDC reports that primary and secondary syphilis rates increased by 10 percent between 2012 and 2013—an infection rate more than twice as high as figures from 2001. The Atlanta, Baltimore, Detroit, Los Angles, Miami, Orlando, Portland, San Antonio, San Diego and San Francisco metro areas have some of the highest syphilis rates, according to the CDC.
In the San Francisco Bay area, reported cases rose from 438 in 2009 to 814 in 2013. In Washington, D.C., Dr. Raymond C. Martins, senior director of clinical education at Whitman-Walker Health,says that the clinic saw a 32 percent increase in syphilis cases among patients between 2011 and 2014. And in recent months, at least 15 cases of ocular syphilis, a serious complication of the disease that can cause blindness, have been reported in California and Washington state, according to an alert released earlier this month by the CDC. Most of these infections have occurred among HIV-positive men who have sex with men.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/syphilis-is-surging-and-us-public-health-officials-arent-sure-why/ar-AAb3qBf


Sex Superbug Could Be 'Worse Than AIDS'




An antibiotic-resistant strain of gonorrhea—now considered a superbug—has some analysts saying that the bacteria's effects could match those of AIDS.


"This might be a lot worse than AIDS in the short run because the bacteria is more aggressive and will affect more people quickly," said Alan Christianson, a doctor of naturopathic medicine.


Even though nearly 30 million people have died from AIDS related causes worldwide, Christianson believes the effect of the gonorrhea bacteria is more direct.

"Getting gonorrhea from this strain might put someone into septic shock and death in a matter of days," Christianson said. "This is very dangerous."

"It's an emergency situation," said William Smith, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors. "As time moves on, it's getting more hazardous."




This gonorrhea strain, HO41, was discovered in Japan two years ago in a 31-year-old female sex worker who had been screened in 2009. The bacteria has since been found in Hawaii, California and Norway.

(Correction: The statement that H041 was found in places beyond Japan is incorrect, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gonorrhea strains resistant to a certain antibiotic not routinely recommended by CDC as a first-line treatment regimen for gonorrhea were detected in Hawaii, but other treatments ultimately cured those infections in follow-up. To date, there have been no treatment failures reported in the U.S.for gonorrhea treated with currently-recommended first-line regimens.)

Because it resists current antibiotic treatment, the strain has been placed in the superbug category with other resistant bacteria, such as MRSA and CRE. These superbugs kill about half the people they attack, and nearly one in 20 hospital patients become infected with one, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Though no deaths from HO41 have been reported, efforts to combat it must continue, Smith said.


"We have to keep beating the drum on this," he said. "The potential for disaster is great."

http://www.cnbc.com/id/100685883

[Laphroaig]

****RAISES HAND****

I've been on Truvada for nearly five months now. No more anxiety about HIV and no side effects! Our ranks are growing, and several prominent people (including an SF County Supervisor) have come out of the Truvada Whore closet. I know of at least one VERY WELL KNOWN TS porn star who is on it. Will anyone else break the silence and raise their hand? This is the only way we can halt the spread of HIV. THE CLOSET KILLS!!!

Exactly how much is this "protection" costing you and if you're not paying, who is footing the bill just so that you can have your fun without condoms (which are cheap and more effective)?

[Tapatio]

Exactly how much is this "protection" costing you and if you're not paying, who is footing the bill just so that you can have your fun without condoms (which are cheap and more effective)?

I'm still convinced that he's getting a discount based on cheerleading social media posts.

If you read through the last Truvada thread he has...

On second thought, don't read through his last Truvada thread.

Or this one.

He has no interest in anything but advertising.

[fred41]

From what I remember, Wes was a test subject...he mentioned that numerous times...so unless it's over, I would assume that he's paying nothing. Also, I doubt Gilead is paying him to advertise since that company is not actively pushing it's HIV medication because there isn't enough profit in it (there was an article about it on an investment site if I remember correctly)...most of their money is made in the HEP C market.
...and as far as condoms are concerned, and we've been through this, yes they are cheaper, but this drug is excellent for folks who live with HIV poz partners and...
YES, folks who aren't always that careful and know it. All preaching aside , there are tons of folks, who because of a multitude of personal habits or weaknesses or whatever, are not going to always use condoms regardless of the Officer McGruff warnings. It's human nature. We're slaves to our desires. If folks like that can afford to take this drug...power to them. I myself may be on this if it's affordable to my insurance plan and I can get a prescription.

[fred41]

Oh, and if my insurance covers it and it's convenient to take, I don't care what it costs someone else...why?...because for years I'm helping to foot the bill for you cigarette smoking, fat eating, non-exercising, hypochondriac motherfuckers who have to see the doctor every fucking time they get the sniffles or a boo-boo and demand health care to cover it.
...hell, I may add a prescription of 100mg viagra to that also..lol

[lifeisfiction]

From all the studies I read they do blind testing where half the those receive Truvada and half of them receive a placebo. Only in the one test where they administered Truvada after the person had unprotected sex with a unknown partner they actually administered Truvada. I am curious if Gilead gets the other HIV drugged to be backed by the FDA for Prep use, since both are taken together with people who have HIV, will he go and take both? Still I am curious if the study he is participating in is a blind study or they are actually giving everyone Truvada?

I agree with Fred that people will act like saints, but because they do have unprotected sex in lapse of judgment or once in a blue moon, or play the numbers game it's no so bad. At least people who are taking it are trying to prevent something no matter the level of effectiveness and at least they acknowledge they need to have some sort of protection.

[fred41]

I don't have truvada but I might have a liver disease - found out yesterday :(

try not to worry til you know for sure (It's true advice, but impossible to follow...I'm sorry)...I got my fingers crossed for you Ashlyn.

[broncofan]

From all the studies I read they do blind testing where half the those receive Truvada and half of them receive a placebo.
I'd love to see the informed consent forms for those studies!

I agree with Fred about the Officer McGruff warnings as we're adults and can do what we want. But I think a lot of Wes' earlier posts sort of read like someone telling people they shouldn't worry about smoking because the link between smoking and lung cancer is tenuous. Then the person finds a different fix that avoids some of the earlier hazards and they pretend like they're Mr. Responsible and will not shut up about what they're doing.

If the newest discovery in HIV prevention were a fail-proof condom that limited sensation one millionth of a percent, Wes would instead be casting doubt on the wisdom of using it.

[MrBest]

From what I remember, Wes was a test subject...he mentioned that numerous times...so unless it's over, I would assume that he's paying nothing. Also, I doubt Gilead is paying him to advertise since that company is not actively pushing it's HIV medication because there isn't enough profit in it (there was an article about it on an investment site if I remember correctly)...most of their money is made in the HEP C market.
...and as far as condoms are concerned, and we've been through this, yes they are cheaper, but this drug is excellent for folks who live with HIV poz partners and...
YES, folks who aren't always that careful and know it. All preaching aside , there are tons of folks, who because of a multitude of personal habits or weaknesses or whatever, are not going to always use condoms regardless of the Officer McGruff warnings. It's human nature. We're slaves to our desires. If folks like that can afford to take this drug...power to them. I myself may be on this if it's affordable to my insurance plan and I can get a prescription.
what is personal responsibility?

[MrBest]

I'd love to see the informed consent forms for those studies!

I agree with Fred about the Officer McGruff warnings as we're adults and can do what we want. But I think a lot of Wes' earlier posts sort of read like someone telling people they shouldn't worry about smoking because the link between smoking and lung cancer is tenuous. Then the person finds a different fix that avoids some of the earlier hazards and they pretend like they're Mr. Responsible and will not shut up about what they're doing.

If the newest discovery in HIV prevention were a fail-proof condom that limited sensation one millionth of a percent, Wes would instead be casting doubt on the wisdom of using it.
wes l BB and bottoms, end of discussion

[broncofan]

wes likes to BB and bottoms, end of discussion
Just like that it's over?

[MrBest]

Just like that it's over?

he wants you to fuck him in the ass w/o a condom because Truvada said it was ok

[Laphroaig]

If the newest discovery in HIV prevention were a fail-proof condom that limited sensation one millionth of a percent, Wes would instead be casting doubt on the wisdom of using it.

That day may be closer than you think...

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/the-condom-of-the-future-scientists-developing-latex-replacement-that-selflubricates-delivers-viagra-and-feels-better-than-nothing-at-all-10170841.html

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/self-lubricating-condom-future-could-feel-5517361

It might even deliver viagra for fred41.

[Chuck]

There are strains of HIV which Truvada does not work on and will not help with. And as others have pointed out, there are other diseases out there. Don't forget about Hep C, among others. If you are in a relationship with someone who is HIV positive and Truvada works for them, then good for you. Otherwise it's only a less risky form of Russian Roulette.

[fred41]

That day may be closer than you think...

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/the-condom-of-the-future-scientists-developing-latex-replacement-that-selflubricates-delivers-viagra-and-feels-better-than-nothing-at-all-10170841.html

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/self-lubricating-condom-future-could-feel-5517361

It might even deliver viagra for fred41.
awesome sauce!...now if only it would get rid of the headache.
(I know...picky, picky, picky)

[fred41]

what is personal responsibility?

There's no such thing as personal responsibility...reread the post. Tons of folks use up health insurance like it's a freebie.

[Westheangelino]

To shed some much needed light:

1. I am a participant in a study by UCLA via the Los Angeles LGBT Clinic. I was on a long waiting list for six months. Before I was prescribed the drug, I was given the following: safe sex counseling, including access to condoms, a full panel STD test, an HIV test, a blood test to determine the health of my kidneys and liver. Two weeks later, after a clean bill of health I was given a 30 day supply of Truvada (along with phosphate supplements for bone and kidney health....which I have never taken) with more counseling and a repeat of the steps above as well as more blood for genetic mapping (most people don't know this but a small % of the population is immune to HIV due to the Bubonic Plague, which shares receptors with HIV). For the next three months I repeated the above process including the sexual health counseling and recorded (via my consent, you didn't have to record if you didn't want to) conversations about my sexual activity. Not to mention recommendations for drug and alcohol counseling based purely on my honest responses to a survey about my sexual practices and substance use. After three months of responsibly taking the drug, I am now doing the above steps every two months until a year after my initial visit.

Truvada is effective. Gilead is not marketing for two reasons: one is the backlash from AHF and like groups who are tied to a condom only strategy and don't want a PR reaction to a return of things like the 70's fast track bath house culture which would only amplify and give credence to the opinions of the opposite end of the social spectrum (i.e. groups that hate gays and gay sex). Second, is that they do not currently have a profit structure for the drug that matches actually treating HIV pos people. The second will disappear as more and more govt, entities get behind this since they are usually the ones footing the bill. It is far cheaper to give every single gay/bi/trans person Truvada in the USA for the rest of their lives than to treat all the POZ folk already out there.

Truvada is extremely effective and takes on the nature of a vaccine the more people use it. It is also one of the three main drugs that POZ people take, and study after study shows that POZ people who are in treatment are NOT able to spread HIV.

Get it!

[GroobySteven]

Get it!

No I don't get it - as I don't think you answered my question. Does this mean you take it up the bum, without a condom because the drug will stop you contracting HIV - or is it to be used in conjunction with?

[GroobySteven]

Or are you already positive and that's why you were on the trial?

[Westheangelino]

Or are you already positive and that's why you were on the trial?


Clearly you're ignorant of the whole subject if you ask that question. Truvada has been used to treat HIV pos people people for a decade. It keeps the virus from copying itself. The drug works in neg people by preventing the virus from copying in the first place. Why the fuck would I be in a trial for something that has been prescribed to poz people for TEN YEARS if I was poz???????!!!!! GET A CLUE PLEASE.

And to clearly answer your question, I like the majority of sexually active people in a a high risk group do not consistently use condoms when getting fucked. Don't act like I'm some weird pariah for saying this. If I was some crazy outlier, we wouldn't have 50k+ new infections each year in the USA alone. IT IS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN CONDOMS IN THE REAL WORLD.

[Laphroaig]

So you're promoting the use of a drug which you have no idea how much it costs?

As to your last statement, it may well be more effective than condoms in preventing HIV transmission but you are still ignoring the fact that it is COMLETELY USELESS at preventing the spread of any other STD, some of which are just as nasty as HIV.

Your stance is therefore totally irresponsible.

[GroobySteven]

Clearly you're ignorant of the whole subject if you ask that question. Truvada has been used to treat HIV pos people people for a decade. It keeps the virus from copying itself. The drug works in neg people by preventing the virus from copying in the first place. Why the fuck would I be in a trial for something that has been prescribed to poz people for TEN YEARS if I was poz???????!!!!! GET A CLUE PLEASE.

And to clearly answer your question, I like the majority of sexually active people in a a high risk group do not consistently use condoms when getting fucked. Don't act like I'm some weird pariah for saying this. If I was some crazy outlier, we wouldn't have 50k+ new infections each year in the USA alone. IT IS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN CONDOMS IN THE REAL WORLD.

Yes, I am ignorant and that's why I asked the question - so get off your high horse, or just get the fuck out.

You stated it's MORE EFFECTIVE THAN CONDOMS? So you're saying that you are confident that you are not going to get infected by taking positive loads anally, if you take this drug? I'm not talking about the "majority of sexually active people", I'm asking about you specifically and this drug.

You've also not answered the other questions about other STD's.

[Tapatio]

To shed some much needed light:

(along with phosphate supplements for bone and kidney health....which I have never taken)



Not smart, Wes, but not surprising.

[Tapatio]

Your stance is therefore totally irresponsible.

Agreed. And proven in his last (and now abandoned) thread.

"Wishing it were so" is, IMO, the most dangerous of the scientific fallacies, especially combined with blind zealotry.

[lifeisfiction]

Why are folks arguing with Wes about it. We have threads arguing about it. It sounds like the test is blind, where they ask a high risk group about participating in the drug effectiveness. But I would like know more of the study and since its by UCLA, I might just call them and ask about the study. Easiest way to understand what they are doing. I am not going to be hard on Wes, because I was thinking about it and from my experience there is a lot of hush, hush barebacking that does go on. I use get tired of being asked about it or girls rubbing their ass with my dicks saying its ok. And with the HIV rate among transgender in NY, well someone is doing something. Even more so people believe if you are topping well you can't get HIV? Look, I think condoms are just fine, but for some reason of late people don't really care to use condoms. Is truvada a great drug, I don't think so, but so far in the studies besides the New York times it seems to have some sort of effectiveness. Its better than nothing.

[Westheangelino]

Yes, I am ignorant and that's why I asked the question - so get off your high horse, or just get the fuck out.

You stated it's MORE EFFECTIVE THAN CONDOMS? So you're saying that you are confident that you are not going to get infected by taking positive loads anally, if you take this drug? I'm not talking about the "majority of sexually active people", I'm asking about you specifically and this drug.

You've also not answered the other questions about other STD's.

Highly confident. Please read through my first thread about this. There are over a dozen links to studies or news articles.

As for not taking the phosphates, someone said that is not smart, but it is voluntary in my study. Some very few people experience kidney issues with this drug. I have had none and am tested for such problems every time I go in to the clinic. Should my levels become low, I'll start taking them. But currently I either just don't react negatively to the drug, or my diet is already sufficient to counteract any ill effects on my kidneys.

There is a HUGE stigma about barebacking, but it happens MOST of the time. Yes, MOST. Survey after survey among both gay and straight folk show that condoms are NOT used a majority of the time. If you don't believe me, please look at stats regarding unwanted pregnancies and new HIV transmission. Everyone says they would never, but I know this firsthand to be bullshit. I have zero shame of my desires in the past as I knew the risk and got tested very regularly and routinely. Now I have no shame AND no anxiety. And guess what? My promiscuity hasn't increased since being on the drug. If anything I'm a little more choosy, and several of my partners have opted for condoms.

As for taking POZ loads, before taking this drug I would NEVER have considered taking a load or even having protected sex with someone who told me they were POZ. Today, I would.

[Westheangelino]

As for other STD's:

Truvada has been shown to reduce herpes infection rates by 30% http://www.hivplusmag.com/prevention/2014/07/02/study-truvada-prep-shown-lower-herpes-infection-rates.

Condoms on the other hand are basically useless against herpes or HPV: http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Condoms-not-effective-against-HPV-or-herpes-3650285.php


I'm not worried about other STD's. Truly, I'm not.

[Laphroaig]

I'm not worried about other STD's. Truly, I'm not.

Then, I have to agree with lifesfiction, it's pointless arguing with you.

Wes, in the end it's your life and your choice, but you really are a TOTAL MUPPET.

[Westheangelino]

http://www.healthline.com/health-news/studies-show-truvada-prevents-hiv-when-taken-as-needed-022415

^Pretty sobering article for the anti-Truvada crowd. Reposting here since the admins of this forum are cool with a million threads of the same ridiculous subjects like "am I gay??" or "how to bottom", but aren't cool with multiple threads about something that has the power to end a health crisis that threatens this community more than any other in America.

[GroobySteven]

http://www.healthline.com/health-news/studies-show-truvada-prevents-hiv-when-taken-as-needed-022415

^Pretty sobering article for the anti-Truvada crowd. Reposting here since the admins of this forum are cool with a million threads of the same ridiculous subjects like "am I gay??" or "how to bottom", but aren't cool with multiple threads about something that has the power to end a health crisis that threatens this community more than any other in America.


I'm just not cool about you, I think you're a tit. You don't answer questions when directed at you - yet you freely publicize something as an evangelist. They can contact me for advertising rates if they want.

[GroobySteven]

So 14% of men still contracted HIV after using it during unprotected sex? So that between 1-2 in 10. Those odds are way way too high for me to gamble with. The report also never stated what other STD's the other 86% contacted during that time?

Do those stats make you comfortable having unprotected sex with people who's status you are unaware of? That's a yes or no, answer? Please?

[GroobySteven]

Actually I just re-read the stats again - so before you come back with it, let me just check.

So in the second group 2 men out of the group taking the drug contracted HIV - so that was 2 out of 272, giving a 1:135% chance? Is that right. Still too risky for me. The US study showed 2 in 200, so a 1:100 chance of contacting HIV.

So my original questions stands, those odds are good for you? What about other STD's?

[Westheangelino]

^ That is GREAT for me. Those men were only taking the drug 4 times a week as opposed to every single day. In studies with serodiscordant partners (one poz one neg) NO ONE contracted HIV. There are still 50k new HIV infections in the USA every year. Two thirds are men who have sex with men. Obviously, I am not calling Tgirls men, but it's the same category and risk group. A condom only strategy DOESN'T WORK.

STD's are endemic in this population as well. I don't have a good answer for you, except I am willing to accept being treated multiple times for STD's in my lifetime.

[kaientai]

Would taking Truvada help? Yes probably, but you are here preaching it like it is the end all cure for HIV wich it is not let alone other STD's. Quite frankly I find your posts quite disgusting and offensive

[lifeisfiction]

Your going to waste your time, arguing with Wes and furthermore you should always be prudent about your health and really speak to more than one person in the medical field and do your own research. What Wes hasn't told people is that the groups that are being studied in most studies are considered high risk groups due to the fact that as a whole the groups tend to engage regularly in unprotected sex and sex that will be more likely for someone to obtain HIV. So its just not men who have sex with men, but men who purposely/knowingly have unprotected sex regularly.

Can you blame Wes, he has been given a drug he believes will give him the sexual freedom he has long been seeking. I mean who wouldn't want a drug capable of stopping HIV. The reality, its not a hundred percent and they are still trying to discover how effective it really is under various circumstances. It might prove to be as good as they say it is, but one thing for sure I rather they work out the kinks and actually have a full understanding of how it works. And that is why they need people like Wes participating in a study. They will truly test the effectiveness of the drug.

Here is thing, am I surprised that at the number of effectiveness in the article, no [I actually read that study a long while back]. The drug Truvada has been used to treat HIV. Meaning some people who have HIV take Truvada to fight HIV. In fact the other drug by Gilead, both used in the treatment of HIV is now up for approval by the FDA for Prep use as well. Truvada has also been used in post exposure treatment as a way to help a person who had a high exposure experience (unprotected one night stand) stop HIV from getting a foothold. In fact, the body actually fights HIV, it is when the number present in the body is high that you are pretty much in trouble.

Sexual health does not only mean HIV it incorporates other stds that can cause serious problems. While many focus on HIV, not many realize a person who has a std may not exhibit symptoms and think their health is fine. Just because you feel fine, doesn't mean you are fine. Leading to other complications. HIV loves to work in conjunction with other stds and Truvada does not prevent them. In fact, one of the growing stds while curable is not something many people are aware of and is growing among msm (men who have sex with men) is syphilis. Its a disease you can have it for a long time before it becomes active causing some serious problems.

You yourself have to be prudent about your health and the risks you are willing to take. A person who exercise care in their sexual health has a good chance of enjoying many good years of sex. Truvada is a drug if used in the proper context can help extend your sexual experience. However it is for you decide what activities might needed the added protection in case of things going bad. I think Truvada can be very helpful, but it only helps protect (not stop) against one thing.

I want everyone to be able to share their stories of the sexual experiences for years to come.

[Vladimir Putin]

Even if you take Truvada, you're still urged to take safe sex precautions, like using a condom in addition. Truvada is not a stand-alone substitute for wrapping it up. Whether you take Truvada or not, you're still a fool if you take it up the ass unprotected or giving it to someone up the ass unprotected.

[Westheangelino]

Even if you take Truvada, you're still urged to take safe sex precautions, like using a condom in addition. Truvada is not a stand-alone substitute for wrapping it up. Whether you take Truvada or not, you're still a fool if you take it up the ass unprotected or giving it to someone up the ass unprotected.


So, what would you say to those serodiscordant couples who do that on a routine basis?

[Jericho]

STD's are endemic in this population as well. I don't have a good answer for you, except I am willing to accept being treated multiple times for STD's in my lifetime.

That just about says it all.
Done with this shit! :shrug

[Westheangelino]

That just about says it all.
Done with this shit! :shrug

As though contracting an STD is some rare and horrific thing that happens to only the most promiscuous barebackers? What reality are you living in, sir?

[Jericho]

As though contracting an STD is some rare and horrific thing that happens to only the most promiscuous barebackers? What reality are you living in, sir?

Way to miss the point, genius! :shrug

[Westheangelino]

http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/PrEP_dosing_MSM_1667_27263.shtml


BOOM

[GroobySteven]

http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/PrEP_dosing_MSM_1667_27263.shtml


BOOM


"one day on PrEP led to a 75 to 91 risk reduction, three days meant a 95 to 97 percent risk reduction, and five and seven days translated to a 98 to 99 percent risk reduction."

Do you like those odds? So every time you have sex you're talking up to 2% chance of catching HIV? Too risky for me.

[lifeisfiction]

"one day on PrEP led to a 75 to 91 risk reduction, three days meant a 95 to 97 percent risk reduction, and five and seven days translated to a 98 to 99 percent risk reduction."

Do you like those odds? So every time you have sex you're talking up to 2% chance of catching HIV? Too risky for me.

Actually, that is an excellent number. Don't go and look up the odds for other things, you will lose sleep. The medical field never likes to use the number a 100%. Truvada is used to treat HIV, in fact people who use Truvada and few other drugs can get their virus count down till their virus load is undetectable and is almost impossible (pretty much impossible) to give someone HIV. A lot of people are against the drug, but what concerns me is that some people who are against the drug still engage in high risk behaviors any ways. I think condom and prep is a good combo. Prep of course takes time to build. Now what I am waiting to see is how the drug affects people over a period of time. There have been numerous cases of people have liver trouble over 5-10 years of using Truvada and I am sure it will hold true in this case.

Like I said Truvada is not a new drug, it is just being used in a new application. Nor will it prevent you from getting other STD's. I have to admit the early studies have been very promising, but again its the early studies. So as usual time will tell. I won't knock its effectives, because it has proven in the pass to be effective.

Still your sexual health begins and ends with you. So for those who occasionally engage in high risk behavior or think that topping is safe enough, because their partner doesn't do drugs or other things. I would heavily recommend using this in conjunction of seeking safer sex practices. The rates for HIV among transgender is rising and Truvada with condoms can be a great help.

West before you say condoms are bad. The reality of the fact is that people are more engaged in having unprotected sex then they were before especially since the horrors of HIV when in the 80's is in the past. With better medicine and health, HIV is not looked upon as a death threat in many people's eyes. Still people engage in high risk behavior and changing attitudes have lead to increase to an incurable disease. Yes people find bareback sex to be enjoyable, and many people engage in it, however Truvada use will not end HIV alone and their other stds that are becoming more difficult to cure as antibiotic resistant strains are becoming more common.

[MrFanti]

BOOM

Lifetime of herpes flare-ups?

[natina]

"Incurable" gonorrhea hits North American shores"

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/incurable-gonorrhea-hits-north-american-shores/
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/incurable-gonorrhea-hits-north-american-shores/
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/incurable-gonorrhea-hits-north-american-shores/
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/incurable-gonorrhea-hits-north-american-shores/


At least nine Canadian patients have contracted a strain of "incurable" gonorrhea, according to a study released on Jan. 7 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1556149).
Researchers found that nine of the 133 patients with gonorrhea who were treated at a Toronto clinic still had the disease after being treated with the oral antibiotic cephalosporins. This marks the first time that cephalosporin-resistant gonorrhea has been found on the continent.
"We've heard of such cases in Asia and Europe. Now it's happening in North America," Dr. Robert Kirkcaldy, medical epidemiologist in the Division of STD Prevention at CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, said to NPR (http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/01/08/168866271/in-canada-gonorrhea-defeats-another-antibiotic). "It's very concerning."
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. It can be spread through contact with the mouth, vagina, penis or anus and thrives in warm, moist areas of the body.
Symptoms in men include burning and pain while urinating, increased urinary frequency or urgency, penis discharge, red or swollen opening of the penis, tender or swollen testicles and/or a sore throat. Women experience vaginal discharge, burning and pain while urinating, increased urination, sore throat, painful sexual intercourse, pain in the lower abdomen and fever. Arthritis-like symptoms and rashes can occur if the infection has spread in to the blood stream.
Health care providers in the U.S. are required by law to tell the State Board of Health about anyone they have found that has contracted the bacteria so the patients can get the proper follow-up care and alert their sexual partners. However, out of the more than 700,000 people in the United States who get new gonorrhea infections each year, less than half of these infections are reported to CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/stdfact-gonorrhea.htm).
The cephalosporins-resistant strain has been going around globally. In June 2012, the World Health Organization warned doctors about the potential problem, and urged medical professionals to keep a closer eye on the disease. They felt that in a couple of years gonorrhea could potentially be resistant to all treatment currently available.


World Health Organization warns of gonorrhea strain resistant to antibiotics (http://www.cbsnews.com/news/world-health-organization-warns-of-gonorrhea-strain-resistant-to-antibiotics)
Gonorrhea superbug? Scientists fear spread of antibiotic-resistant strain (http://www.cbsnews.com/news/gonorrhea-superbug-scientists-fear-spread-of-antibiotic-resistant-strain)

However, all nine patients in the study were eventually cured. Six were treated with an injectable antibiotic called ceftriaxone and the last three had to take twice the usual dose of cephalosporins. This led some scientists to question if the latter really had the cephalosporin-resistant strain, the CBC (http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2013/01/09/gonorrhea-resistant-drug.html) reported.
Lead author Dr. Vanessa Allen, a medical microbiologist and infectious diseases consultant with Public Health Ontario, told NPR that the takeaway still remains that people should be cautious about antibiotic overuse.
"We need to rethink our strategy of antibiotic use," Allen said. "We don't have luxury of just switching to another antibiotic (for gonorrhea)."


"Incurable" gonorrhea hits North American shores"

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/incurable-gonorrhea-hits-north-american-shores/
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/incurable-gonorrhea-hits-north-american-shores/
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/incurable-gonorrhea-hits-north-american-shores/
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/incurable-gonorrhea-hits-north-american-shores/

[natina]

Incurable Gonorrhea Threat Forces Drug ChangeShot Now Needed to Cure Common Sexually Transmitted Disease
WebMD News Archive




Aug. 10, 2012 -- Gonorrhea (http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/guide/gonorrhea) just got a little more painful to treat -- but at least it's still treatable.
For now, at least. The common sexually transmitted disease (http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/most-common-stds-men-women) has become resistant to all but one class of antibiotic: the cephalosporins. An alarming worldwide rise in resistance even to these last-ditch drugs raises the specter of untreatable gonorrhea (http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/news/20120606/untreatable-gonorrhea-on-the-way).
To buy time, the CDC this week changed a recommended U.S. treatment. Instead of getting a single Suprax (cefixime (http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-7011-CEFIXIME+-+ORAL.aspx?drugid=3778&drugname=cefixime+oral)) pill, patients now should be treated with a shot of ceftriaxone antibiotic and one of two oral antibiotics (http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/rm-quiz-antibiotics-myths-facts) (azithromycin (http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-3223-AZITHROMYCIN+250%2f500+MG+-+ORAL.aspx?drugid=1527&drugname=Azithromycin+Oral) or doxycycline (http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-14449/doxycycline+oral/details)).
That's not all. Patients now should return to their health care (http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/default.htm) provider a week later to make sure they're cured. Anyone still infected likely carries drug-resistant gonorrhea and needs further treatment.
"This change is a critical preemptive strike to preserve ... our last proven treatment option," said Kevin Fenton, MD, director of the CDC's National Center for HIV (http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/default.htm)/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis (http://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/default.htm), STD (http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/ss/slideshow-std-pictures-and-facts), and TB Prevention. "Changing how we treat infections now may buy the time needed to develop new treatment options."




Gonorrhea can very quickly become resistant to antibiotics (http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/video/josephson-antibiotics). In the last decade alone, the bug became resistant to the fluoroquinolone antibiotics that used to cure the disease.
When that happened, the CDC first saw resistant gonorrhea in the western U.S. among gay and bisexual men. Ominously, that same pattern now is being seen for cephalosporins.
About 700,000 Americans carry gonorrhea bacteria. Fewer than half of them know it. Although many men and women have symptoms -- discharge and/or a burning sensation during urination -- many do not. That's why sexually active gay and bisexual men and at-risk women should be tested for gonorrhea (and other STDs (http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/default.htm)) at least once a year.
To avoid gonorrhea:


Abstain from sex (http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/default.htm).
Have sex (http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/rm-quiz-sex-fact-fiction) only with one partner -- a partner that has sex only with you.
Correctly use condoms (http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-condoms) every time you have sex.

If you do have gonorrhea symptoms, get treated right away. And a week after treatment, get tested to make sure of a cure.
Slideshow: Pictures and Facts About STDs (http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/ss/slideshow-std-pictures-and-facts)




http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/news/20120810/incurable-gonorrhea-threat-forces-drug-change
http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/news/20120810/incurable-gonorrhea-threat-forces-drug-change
http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/news/20120810/incurable-gonorrhea-threat-forces-drug-change
http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/news/20120810/incurable-gonorrhea-threat-forces-drug-change

[Westheangelino]

Lifetime of herpes flare-ups?

Condoms are not an effective barrier against Herpes infection. Also, 1 in 6 adults in the USA have it. It's not that big a deal. http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm

[GroobySteven]

Actually, that is an excellent number. Don't go and look up the odds for other things, you will lose sleep. The medical field never likes to use the number a 100%.

A fair point, but on "other things" you generally don't have a choice. With HIV you can decide whether to protect yourself more, or risk up to 1:50 chance of getting HIV (given other factors are there) by relying just on that. If Wes is happy enough to take those risks, then I respect that as his preference. No sexual contact is without risks and we all have to decide based on the best current evidence for our own risk factors. What I dislike is his evangelism of this drug, which is why I counter his blind faith.

[trish]

If the probability of HIV transfer, using a PrEP, on a single exposure is 0.02, then the probability of no transfer is 0.98. The probability of no transference during a run of 52 exposures is 0.98 to the 52nd power; i.e. approximately 0.35. So if you are exposed once a week for a year there is a 65% chance of acquiring the virus by year's end.
This was all hashed over before in prior threads. More detail here http://www.hungangels.com/vboard/showthread.php?87385-TRUVADA-Why-are-we-ALL-not-taking-this-!!!!&p=1548890&viewfull=1#post1548890

[lifeisfiction]

Even with statistics, the medical field gets weird. I was surprise to find that there has only been 3 confirmed cases of HIV transfer by oral during . Even the circumstances surrounded them is sort of weird and questionable. Doctors like statistics, but you have to look what happens in the real world. (Scientist believe there is something in the saliva that inhibits HIV.)

Now there is something to be aware of with Truvada. If you do not wait till the full dosage and fail to maintain the daily dosage and if you contract HIV, then Truvada will not be part of your drug regime at all. The virus will be immune to its effects

If what I read is correct, then the numbers under Truvada at full dosage would pretty close to 100%. They won't say 100%, because of the fear of anomalies. It was shocking to see people fail to maintain the daily dosage.

I believe the drug is very effective and is probably and excellent protection against HIV. The concern I have is the side effects. I don't think people understand how much problems it cause to people using the drug, Liver damage and other related liver problems is really problematic. I am talking about after 5 years of use. Most people won't see the side effects now, but when it hits, it can be pretty bad. And how do we know, because HIV+ patients who take the drug suffer from it. So only time will tell to what the side effects will look.

And again there are things to worry about besides HIV, there are many of STDs. Still I urge people to use something. Its better than nothing. I mean with all this information its sad the HIV rate is rising. Especially in the transgender community. Makes not sense.

And Steven, I agree the way he is preaching Truvada, he talks about it as gospel. Its all fun and games till it burns when you piss.

[Laphroaig]

This has probably already been posted but here goes anyway.

http://www.truvada.com/truvada-side-effects


"Just taking TRUVADA may not keep you from getting HIV-1. You must continue using safer sex practices while you are taking TRUVADA to reduce your risk of getting HIV-1. To further reduce your risk of getting HIV-1:

Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV-1 to infect you.
Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior.
Have fewer sex partners.
Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection."

Plenty more info also on that site.

[CaptainPlanet]

What do you guys think.
Surprised no one here especially "Natina" has not posted this one.

Article
http://www.vice.com/read/has-porn-become-the-better-advocate-for-safer-sex-293

Video

https://www.vice.com/video/stopping-hiv-with-the-truvada-revolution-part-1-111

[Tapatio]

Regardless what you think of the drug's efficacy, this is huge.


http://laist.com/2015/06/10/la_will_give_hiv-prevention_drug_to.php

[Tapatio]

Regardless what you think of the drug's efficacy, this is huge.


http://laist.com/2015/06/10/la_will_give_hiv-prevention_drug_to.php

Did this automatically merge into this thread or did a mod open the link i posted, read it, and think it was just another cheerleading post?

Smh either way.

[lifeisfiction]

Did this automatically merge into this thread or did a mod open the link i posted, read it, and think it was just another cheerleading post?

Smh either way.

Don't worry Tapatio its a good thing you did with making the information available. People think those who use the drug are mostly like Wes, where in reality its not. I think Truvada is for people who have multiple partners that are not aware of their background. If something was to go bad it's there as an added layer. I think its huge for people who once in awhile will forgo the condom and those who with their new partners have unprotected sex before they are really sure of the sexual health.

The people who are acquiring HIV are not always from the high risk group. Its providing excellent protection and its better to have something then nothing.

The new infection rates have to come down a lot (it is so high) and I don't think people realize how bad the numbers have been.

[rodinuk]

I merged it, I didn't think it was a cheerleading thread/post but IMHO it fits better into here (along with the preceding post) to inform and continue the debate.


Did this automatically merge into this thread or did a mod open the link i posted, read it, and think it was just another cheerleading post?

Smh either way.

[Westheangelino]

Hell yes for la county!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Joe555souL]

As a sub-male, "wood" i be able to safely perform oral sex and/or receive anal... with someone that was taking Truvada, "butt" i was unaware of it??? Thanks!

[MrFanti]

Starting to see TRUVADA commercials on the tele now....

[gaysian71]

Starting to see TRUVADA commercials on the tele now....

I've seen them as well. But all the actors in the commercial are either gay, trans or black. Hmmmm. Does that mean chasers are safe?

[Laphroaig]

Starting to see TRUVADA commercials on the tele now....


I've seen them as well. But all the actors in the commercial are either gay, trans or black. Hmmmm. Does that mean chasers are safe?

Any sign of their poster boy Westheangelino in the ads, or have they dumped him for being useless?...:dead:

[GroobySteven]

Any sign of their poster boy Westheangelino in the ads, or have they dumped him for being useless?...:dead:


He got AIDS.

[MrFanti]

Any sign of their poster boy Westheangelino in the ads, or have they dumped him for being useless?...:dead:
Yes, he did pass away.
If you look at his profile page here, there's a Facebook link.

Go to his Facebook link, and you'll see that Westhangelino has passed away....

[Laphroaig]

Yes, he did pass away.
If you look at his profile page here, there's a Facebook link.

Go to his Facebook link, and you'll see that Westhangelino has passed away....

Fucking hell. Live hard, die young I guess.

[GroobySteven]

Yes, he did pass away.
If you look at his profile page here, there's a Facebook link.

Go to his Facebook link, and you'll see that Westhangelino has passed away....


Ouch - I was being facetious - do you have a link to his FB?

[MrFanti]

Ouch - I was being facetious - do you have a link to his FB?
Here it is...
https://www.facebook.com/wesgerald

[GroobySteven]

Here it is...
https://www.facebook.com/wesgerald


That's pretty heavy - and apologies for my bad taste 'humour'.

I wasn't a fan of his but sad to see any young person go suddenly and leave behind so many friends.

[MrFanti]

RIP....Looks like Westheangelino was correct.
Starting to see Truvada PrEP commercials on TNT and a couple of other channels...

[dakota87]

RIP....Looks like Westheangelino was correct.
Starting to see Truvada PrEP commercials on TNT and a couple of other channels...

it’s not without side effects

https://www.drugs.com/sfx/truvada-side-effects.html

More Common

Blisters under the skin
body aches or pain
chills
difficulty in breathing
ear and nasal congestion (https://www.drugs.com/cg/nasal-rinse.html)
fever
loss of voice
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin
redness of the skin
runny nose (https://www.drugs.com/cg/allergic-rhinitis.html)
sore throat (https://www.drugs.com/cg/sore-throat.html)
spots on your skin resembling a blister or pimple
unusual tiredness or weakness

Sorry to hear that westangelino passed away.

[MrFanti]

it’s not without side effects

I NEVER said there weren't any side effects.

That being said, pretty much ALL prescription medication has side effects.....

[dakota87]

Yeah I was just putting that out there. Sorry I replied to your post to do it.