PrEP Services
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PrEP Services
What is PrEP?
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis and is a biomedical strategy to prevent HIV. PrEP is 99% effective at preventing HIV when taking daily.
PrEP is a combination of two drugs and prevents the virus from spreading in the body if exposed to HIV.
PrEP is for anyone who wants to protect themselves from HIV.
Why use PrEP?
There are many reasons people take PrEP. Some reasons include:
- PrEP is a discrete HIV prevention strategy
- Self-determination
- Greater connection to and intimacy with one's partner(s)
- To alleviate HIV concern
- Feeling in control of one's sexual health
- Increased sense of freedom
FAQ about PrEP
Will I have to take PrEP forever?
No. PrEP is a prevention strategy intended to be taken when there's a risk of HIV exposure.
Does PrEP transmit or make people more susceptible to HIV?
No. PrEP prevents new HIV infections. PrEP can protect people from getting HIV.
Will PrEP make me feel sick?
Depends. Some people experience side effects (such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain) during the first two weeks of taking PrEP.
Will PrEP damage my bones?
Probably not. One form of PrEP is made of TDF/FTC (two drugs). TDF was found to decrease bone density for some people in the original PrEP trials. Bone density levels seemed to go back to normal after stopping the drug, however, this is an open question and studies are going to better understand. Ask a navigator or provider for the most up to date information on this.
How to get PrEP
PrEP requires a prescription and follow-up appointments every 3 months. There are in-person and online options.
Ask a primary care provider (PCP)
- PrEP can be prescribed by any provider who can prescribe. If you have a PCP ask them for a prescription.
- Navigators support people throughout their PrEP journey with things like financial assistance, finding a prescribing physician, and attending follow-up appointments.
- Look Online