BY: STAFF
Published 8 seconds ago
Going back to college usually means making a long list of things to do: buying supplies, moving into a dorm or apartment, registering for classes, and trying to get your schedule organized. But there’s one part of back-to-school preparation that often gets overlooked, your sexual health.
For students who are sexually active, heading back to campus can be a good time to learn about PrEP. PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is medication that helps prevent HIV. When taken as prescribed, it can reduce the risk of getting HIV through sex by about 99%.
What is PrEP?
PrEP is designed for people who do not have HIV but may be exposed to it. It can be taken as a daily pill or, depending on the medication, as a long-acting injection.
PrEP doesn’t protect against other sexually transmitted infections, so condoms and regular STI testing can still be important. But when it comes to HIV prevention, PrEP is one of the most effective tools available.
College can bring new relationships, new social circles, and more independence. That makes it a good time to think about what protecting your health looks like for you.
Getting started
You don’t have to wait until you’re on campus to start the process. Talking with a healthcare provider before the semester begins can make things easier once classes get busy.
MISTR is a telehealth platform that handles everything from at-home testing to conversations with a licensed physician to discreet medication delivery. Getting protected has never been faster, easier, or safer.
What about the cost?
Cost is a common concern, especially for college students. Many insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare cover PrEP, and assistance programs may be available for people who need help paying for medication or related care. MISTR works directly with your insurance and/or assistance programs to guarantee you pay nothing out of pocket for your protection.
If you’re using a parent’s insurance, you may also want to ask about privacy and how insurance communications work. A healthcare provider or student health center can help you understand your options.
Make a plan before school starts
If you’re considering PrEP, add a sexual health appointment to your back-to-school checklist. Find out where you’ll get your medication, what your insurance covers, and how you’ll keep up with testing and appointments during the semester.
Taking care of your sexual health is simply another part of taking care of yourself. College is about becoming more independent, and that includes making informed decisions about your health.
About MISTR
MISTR is a gay-owned and operated online platform that brings together doctors, pharmacists, and industry minds to provide resources and PrEP to folks in need. Instead of relying on insurance providers to approve the purchase of PrEP, MISTR cuts out the middleman to help people get their prescriptions covered.
