PrEP is important as an intervention strategy to prevent new HIV transmissions. The daily use of antiretroviral medications have been proven to reduce the risk of HIV infection in individuals at risk for acquiring HIV.
What is PrEP?
- PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is medicine that can reduce your chance of getting HIV.
- PrEP is highly effective when taken as prescribed. PrEP is much less effective if not taken as prescribed.
- PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body.
Is PrEP right for me?
According to the CDC, PrEP may be right for you if you test negative for HIV, and any of the following apply to you:
You have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months and you
- have a sexual partner with HIV (especially if the partner has an unknown or detectable viral load),
- have not consistently used a condom, or
- have been diagnosed with an STD in the past 6 months.
You inject drugs and you
- have an injection partner with HIV, or
- share needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs (for example, cookers).
You have been prescribed PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and you
- report continued risk behavior, or
- have used multiple courses of PEP.
If you are a woman and have a partner with HIV and are considering getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about PrEP if you’re not already taking it. PrEP may be an option to help protect you and your baby from getting HIV while you try to get pregnant, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding.