HIV does not discriminate based on your gender, your sexuality, or your race. However, the disparities in our healthcare systems mean that some groups are more likely to be impacted by HIV than others, especially for Black women.
- In 2022, Black women represented 50% of new HIV diagnoses for women in the U.S., despite only making up 13% of the female population.
- 1 in 48 Black women will be diagnosed with HIV in their lifetime.
- 90% of these diagnoses come from heterosexual sex.
These statistics all highlight the need for HIV prevention that goes beyond condom usage. Thankfully, there is a solution with PrEP.
What is PrEP?
You may have heard PrEP in the news when Grammy-nominated singer and TV personality Tamar Braxton recently shared on social media that she takes PrEP to protect her health. Braxton's message cuts through the stigma: PrEP is about empowerment, not labels.
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is 99% effective in preventing HIV, either by getting a bimonthly shot or by taking a daily pill. It’s safe and highly effective, and it changes the game for HIV prevention.
You May Need PrEP If You…
- Don’t regularly use condoms.
- Have a sexual partner who has HIV.
- Have a partner who engages in sex with others without condoms or is an injection drug user.
- Recently had another STI (like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis).
- Do sex work that includes vaginal or anal sex.
Have injected drugs, shared needles, or been in treatment for drug use in the past six months.
PrEP is more than just a pill or a shot. It’s a way to take control of your health in a system that often fails Black women. It’s about empowerment, protection, and breaking the cycle of HIV transmission.
If you think PrEP might be right for you, talk to your clinician or visit PrEP2Me.com to get started today.
