Napansin ko lang na halos every week may few posts on STD and/or HIV scares, and this is alarming.

I know na medyo mas naging progressive na ung panahon ngayon which is why there is now more sexual liberation and empowerment, but this comes with several responsibilities as well. Need natin balansehin ang sexual freedom with care, protection and precaution.

Kaya dahil diyan, time na para istrengthen natin ung mga information campaign na helpful for raising awareness on STD prevention.

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For me ito ung mga common misconception na we need to address:

1. Marami sa atin within the community thinks na once naka PrEP na ay safe na sila sa kahit anong STDs. Since ganito ung thinking, maraming nageengage sa unprotected sex which increases transmission ng non-HIV STDs. PrEP prevents HIV only, it does not prevent transmission of other STDs.

2. Marami rin sa atin iniisip na “di bale may gamot naman basta hindi HIV” pero there are STDs that have long term health implications. Yung ilan pa nga dun is nagiging recurring dahil nag-iistay sa katawan, and naactivate when triggered. Also not to mention na magastos yung mga gamot, and not every one can easily and/or financially access these medicines. Let’s be considerate.

3. Itong third hindi ito misconception pero marami pa ang hindi aware na ang HPV-vaccine ay hindi lang for women. Actually, highly recommended siya for sexually active individuals regardless of gender in order to prevent genital warts and other HPV-induced warts that may develop into cancer. (if hindi kaya ang 3x shot, go for at least 1 shot, dahil better pa rin yun compared sa having no vaccine at all)

If meron tayong friends who are part of the community start the conversation with them. Again, tayo tayo lang ang makakapagtulungan within our community! Let’s help spread better information for a healthier us!

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Please also share below useful information, or other common misconceptions. Thank you!