HIV Prevention is for All of Us: Pursuing our Prevention Options
Courtney Paul
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chimene Liburd | January 1, 20245 min read
Health In Her Hue has partnered with ViiV Healthcare to destigmatize how we talk about HIV and prevention as a crucial part of people’s sexual health experience. Learn more about your options for HIV testing and prevention – available here. Sponsored by ViiV Healthcare.
If you think that HIV can’t or won’t ever impact you, I have news for you – HIV prevention is for all of us.
My name is Ashley Cobb, and I’m a certified sex educator. My life is focused on igniting conversations on sex, pleasure, and everything in between. I am also a 38-year-old, cisgender, sexually active, heterosexual Black woman. Although I’m HIV negative, I see myself as HIV possible. Why? Because it’s possible for me (and anyone else) to contract HIV if I am not intentional about prevention and safe sex practices. The reality is that as a Black woman, I’m a member of a group that represents an increasing trend of new cases of HIV in the U.S. today, and the stigma associated with HIV often silences necessary discussion about prevention as part of our sexual health and self-care. For me, when it comes to sexual experiences, enjoyment and protection are intertwined. Knowing that I am using protection eases anxiety and inhibitions and allows me to be in the moment and focus on my pleasure. In looking for added security while practicing safe sex, I began using PrEP as an additional method of HIV prevention.
It was important for me to get on PrEP because, as a sexually active adult, I felt it was my job to take control over my sexual well-being. I recognized that partners are not always comfortable disclosing their sexual health status or whether or not they’ve been tested, and I did not want to leave my sexual health to chance. Being on PrEP and engaging in other safe sex practices helps protect me from HIV, and I sleep a little easier at night and enjoy my sexual experiences more knowing that I have an extra layer of protection from HIV with PrEP.
During my journey, I realized that many women are unaware that PrEP is an option for them; after all, I didn’t even know for a long time and I was someone who was actively working in the sexual wellness space! I learned about PrEP through my part-time work at an HIV clinic, in conversation with a male coworker, who happened to be gay. When I learned that PrEP was an option, it was a challenge to find other cis women on PrEP to talk about it and ask questions to inform my journey. The reality is that women really aren’t considered when it comes to conversations about PrEP, which is especially unfortunate given that a 2019 assessment by the CDC indicated that 91% of new HIV cases in Black women were attributed to heterosexual encounters – dispelling the myth that HIV transmission is less of a concern for individuals having heterosexual encounters. I’m sharing my story and firsthand experiences with HIV prevention to serve as an example for women who otherwise may not have this information accessible to them. With the growing trend of HIV infection among Black women, it’s necessary to consider the full spectrum of HIV prevention options available to us and discuss prevention methods openly.
I took several steps in partnership with my doctor to start on PrEP. First of all, it’s important to have a doctor that you trust. I needed someone who could understand me, and someone I could have frank conversations with about my sexual health. I also researched PrEP options online before approaching my doctor to discuss them further. I wanted to be thoughtful and informed to ensure that the PrEP I chose would fit the needs of my busy day-to-day life. There are various PrEP options available, allowing more opportunities for everyone to find an option that works best for them and their existing routine. Prioritizing my health while maintaining my lifestyle was an important step for me in my sexual health and overall health journey. Lastly, I advocated – and continue to advocate – for pursuing PrEP for myself and all who want it.
Knowing your reasons for HIV prevention is an essential part of your sexual health journey. Advocating for yourself and your health is crucial. Anyone can have reasons for HIV prevention and each person’s journey to understanding those reasons is unique. If you’re interested in PrEP, I would encourage you to talk with a doctor about your options along with doing your own research. Speaking with people who are on PrEP will also give you a better understanding of their experience with it. Together, all of this will help allow for more informed conversations with your doctor about whether it’s right for you. For more information, I encourage you to explore resources from Health in Her Hue and ViiV Healthcare.
Author
Courtney Paul
Courtney Paul is Health in Her HUE’s Director of Content. In her role, she leads strategy for and oversees content development across the Health in Her HUE platform. Courtney is passionate about using storytelling to build community and raise awareness and regularly writes about a variety of topics for HIHH’s website. Having spent many years in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space, she has a sharpened understanding of how race, sex, gender, and other aspects of identity intersect with personal well-being and uses that lens to offer commentary on a range of topics relevant to Black women and girls, and other people of color.
Clinical Reviewers
Dr. Chimene Liburd
Chimene Liburd MD, MBA, FACP is a physician executive with multifaceted expertise in healthcare management, inpatient and outpatient primary care, chronic condition management, healthcare improvement initiatives, and patient health and wellness. She is a board certified Internal Medicine Physician with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Liburd is currently a healthcare consultant who advises startup founders and insurance payors. Additionally, she mentors young physicians and students interested in medicine. She most recently held the position of Vice President of Clinical Operations and Chief Medical Officer, Medicare Advantage for Anthem, Inc. Dr. Liburd is currently on the advisory boards for Avestria Ventures and Althea.ai as well as a member of the Board of Directors for Pearl Elegance Foundation, Inc.
