What is PrEP?
PrEP is a medication that can lower the chances of getting HIV when taken as prescribed.
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis:
Pre = Before
Exposure = Coming into contact with
Prophylaxis = Prevention
So PrEP is a medication that is taken before you come into contact with HIV to prevent getting HIV, the virus that may lead to AIDS.
Here's how PrEP works: When taken as prescribed, PrEP creates a barrier in the body that can stop HIV from replicating and taking hold.
The drugs used in PrEP include some of the same ones used to treat people who have HIV and are very safe to use.
PrEP is safe when taking HRT for the menopause. PrEP is safe to use with all hormonal contraception (ring, patch, the pill or an implant).
PrEP is effective for all genders and it is safe when taking gender-affirming hormones.
PrEP can be taken in two different ways:
Daily: most people who use PrEP take a pill every day
Event Based: Cis men who know ahead of when they are going to have sex can take two tablets 2-24 hours before sex, then one tablet 24 hours later, and a further tablet 24 hours after that. If having sex for more than one day in a row, then a tablet must be taken every 24 hours until there have been two days without having had sex.
Cis women and trans people are advised to take PrEP daily
PrEP is available free on from the NHS, regardless of your immigration status. You will need to contact your local Sexual Health Clinic (check our service finder) these services are confidential.
If you're at risk of getting HIV, such as having a partner who is HIV-positive who is not on medication, or having condom free sex with someone from a community where HIV is more common, PrEP may be a good option for you. It's important to remember that PrEP is not a one-time pill. You need to take it every day or as prescribed for it to be effective. Taking PrEP consistently and correctly is key to its success in preventing HIV.
Before starting PrEP, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider who can guide you through the process. They will assess your risk factors, run tests to make sure you don't already have HIV, and discuss any possible side effects or interactions with other medications you may be taking.
PrEP does not stop you getting pregnant, if you get pregnant tell your doctor. If you are still at risk of HIV, continuing PrEP until you have spoken to your doctor.
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take PrEP daily if you are breastfeeding. PrEP passes into breast milk in very small amounts and it is unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby.
While PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So, it's important to continue using condoms or other barrier methods to reduce the risk of STIs, if you can.
PrEP is a tool that empowers more of us to take control of our sexual health, can protect us from HIV and enjoy a healthier, safer sex life.
https://www.iwantprepnow.co.uk/
https://i-base.info/guides/pre...
https://www.aidsmap.com/about-...
Click to access our Leeds Sexual Health PrEP Patient Information leaflet.
Here's how PrEP works: When taken as prescribed, PrEP creates a barrier in the body that can stop HIV from replicating and taking hold.
The drugs used in PrEP include some of the same ones used to treat people who have HIV and are very safe to use.
PrEP is safe when taking HRT for the menopause. PrEP is safe to use with all hormonal contraception (ring, patch, the pill or an implant).
PrEP is effective for all genders and it is safe when taking gender-affirming hormones.
PrEP can be taken in two different ways:
Daily: most people who use PrEP take a pill every day
Event Based: Cis men who know ahead of when they are going to have sex can take two tablets 2-24 hours before sex, then one tablet 24 hours later, and a further tablet 24 hours after that. If having sex for more than one day in a row, then a tablet must be taken every 24 hours until there have been two days without having had sex.
Cis women and trans people are advised to take PrEP daily
PrEP is available free on from the NHS, regardless of your immigration status. You will need to contact your local Sexual Health Clinic (check our service finder) these services are confidential.
If you're at risk of getting HIV, such as having a partner who is HIV-positive who is not on medication, or having condom free sex with someone from a community where HIV is more common, PrEP may be a good option for you. It's important to remember that PrEP is not a one-time pill. You need to take it every day or as prescribed for it to be effective. Taking PrEP consistently and correctly is key to its success in preventing HIV.
Before starting PrEP, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider who can guide you through the process. They will assess your risk factors, run tests to make sure you don't already have HIV, and discuss any possible side effects or interactions with other medications you may be taking.
PrEP does not stop you getting pregnant, if you get pregnant tell your doctor. If you are still at risk of HIV, continuing PrEP until you have spoken to your doctor.
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take PrEP daily if you are breastfeeding. PrEP passes into breast milk in very small amounts and it is unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby.
While PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So, it's important to continue using condoms or other barrier methods to reduce the risk of STIs, if you can.
PrEP is a tool that empowers more of us to take control of our sexual health, can protect us from HIV and enjoy a healthier, safer sex life.
https://www.iwantprepnow.co.uk/
https://i-base.info/guides/pre...
https://www.aidsmap.com/about-...
Click to access our Leeds Sexual Health PrEP Patient Information leaflet.
