MISTR Blog

Anonymous HIV Testing: What It Really Means, Where to Go, and How to Protect Your Privacy
Getting tested for HIV is one of the most responsible things you can do for your health. But let’s be real: privacy concerns stop a lot of people from getting tested in the first place. If you’ve ever worried about who might find out about your test results, you’re not

PrEP vs PEP: Understanding the Difference and When to Use Each
When it comes to HIV prevention, two acronyms keep popping up: PrEP and PEP. If you’re confused about what they mean or when you’d use one versus the other, you’re not alone. Let’s break down everything you need to know about these powerful prevention tools in plain English. Key Takeaways

How Quickly Does DoxyPEP Start Working?
Quick Answer: DoxyPEP begins working within hours of taking it, but timing is everything. You need to take it within 72 hours after potential STI exposure for it to be effective, with the best results coming when you take it within the first 24 hours. Key Takeaways The Timing Really

Is DoxyPEP Better Than PrEP?
Quick Answer: No, DoxyPEP isn’t better than PrEP because they prevent different infections. PrEP prevents HIV and is taken daily before exposure, while DoxyPEP reduces bacterial STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) and is taken after sex. They’re not competitors but complementary tools. Many people use both together for comprehensive protection. If

Is PrEP Really 99% Effective?
Key Takeaways You’ve probably seen that “99% effective” stat thrown around when people talk about PrEP. It sounds almost too good to be true, right? Like those ads that promise miracle results with an asterisk at the bottom. But here’s the thing: when it comes to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), that

Do I Still Need Condoms While on PrEP?
Key Takeaways If you’re on PrEP, you’ve already taken a huge step in protecting your sexual health. But here’s a question that comes up all the time: do you need condoms on prep? The short answer is that it depends on what you’re trying to protect yourself from. Let’s break

What Is the 2-1-1 Rule for PrEP?
Key Takeaways If you’re thinking about PrEP for HIV prevention, you’ve probably heard that you need to take a pill every single day. And for many people, that’s true. But here’s something you might not know: there’s another way. It’s called the 2-1-1 rule, and it lets some people take

Is PrEP Bad for Gut Health?
Key Takeaways You’re taking care of your health, so it’s fair to ask if PrEP affects your gut. When you’re putting something in your body every day, you want to know what it’s doing beyond its main job. And if you’ve heard whispers about PrEP and digestion or felt a