#PrEP

A new long-acting HIV prevention injection, Yeztugo (lenacapavir), has earned approval from U.S. regulators and promises to curb new infections globally, including in Southeast Asia. Experts say a biannual shot could overcome adherence hurdles tied to daily PrEP pills, potentially speeding progress against HIV/AIDS. Yet questions about cost, availability, and implementation loom—especially for middle-income countries like Thailand.

In Thailand, HIV remains a serious public health and social issue. Despite gains in prevention and treatment, about 5,000 new infections occur each year, according to the Department of Disease Control and data from UNAIDS in Thailand. While daily PrEP pills such as Truvada and Descovy are available, adherence is often hindered by stigma, affordability, and the burden of daily dosing. Yeztugo aims to change this with a simple regimen: two oral doses followed by a semiannual injection.

A groundbreaking HIV prevention injection, Yeztugo (lenacapavir), recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, promises to significantly reduce new infections worldwide, including in Southeast Asia. Experts say this long-acting, twice-yearly shot could help overcome challenges associated with daily HIV-prevention pills, potentially transforming the fight against HIV/AIDS. However, questions about accessibility, cost, and implementation remain—issues of particular concern for middle-income countries like Thailand.

For Thais, HIV remains a chronic social and public health issue. Despite major progress in prevention and treatment, approximately 5,000 new HIV infections occur annually, according to the Department of Disease Control and UNAIDS (UNAIDS Thailand). While daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills—such as Truvada and Descovy—have been available, adherence is often hindered by stigma, cost, and the burden of taking medicine every day. Yeztugo aims to change that with a simple regimen: two oral doses followed by a subcutaneous injection every six months.

Trust between patient and doctor is essential, especially in sexual health. A growing movement shows that changing gynecologists can empower patients and improve health outcomes. A widely shared piece on TheBody.com highlighted a patient who left a gynecologist who shamed her for requesting PrEP, choosing a provider who respected her autonomy. This narrative prompts Thai readers to consider how patient-provider relationships shape access to respectful, evidence-based care.

In Thailand, trust in doctors remains high, but patients often defer to authority, which can hinder open dialogue about sexual health. International and local research emphasizes that all patients deserve respectful communication and sound guidance, especially for sensitive topics like PrEP and conditions such as endometriosis. Studies summarized in medical literature show that inadequate communication is a persistent barrier to optimal gynecological care, underscoring the need for patient-centered dialogue.

For many people, the relationship with their doctor is one of trust and vulnerability—especially when it comes to sexual health. Yet recent personal narratives and research highlight that changing healthcare providers, particularly gynecologists, can be an act of self-empowerment that leads to better sexual health outcomes. This trend, spotlighted by a widely shared article titled “Firing My Gynecologist Was Good for My Sexual Health” on TheBody.com, underlines a growing movement where patients prioritize their own wellbeing and dignity over tradition or habit.