PrEP is short for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. Like birth control, PrEP is a pill taken daily by people who do not have HIV to protect against HIV. Is PrEP right for me? If you have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months and you:
- Have a sexual partner with HIV
- Aren't consistent in condom use
- Have been diagnosed with an STI in the past 6 months
or
If you inject drugs and you:
- Have an injection partner with HIV
- Share needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs
Can I stop using condoms if I take PrEP? PrEP provides protection from HIV, but does not prevent against other STI's. Can I take PrEP just once if I think I've been exposed to HIV? PrEP is for people who are at ongoing risk of HIV. PrEP is NOT the right choice for people who may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours. If you may have been exposed to HIV in the past 72 hours, talk to your health care provider, an emergency room provider, or an urgent care provider about PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). How can I start PrEP? Before beginning PrEP, you must take an HIV test to make sure you don't have HIV. While taking PrEP, you'll have to visit your health care provider every 3 months for:
- Follow-up visits
- Labs, including HIV tests
- Prescription refills
