STIs

PrEP

Alsopre-exposure prophylaxisHIV PrEPTruvadaDescovyHIV prevention pillinjectable PrEP

Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

PrEP is medicine taken by HIV-negative people before possible exposure to greatly reduce their chance of getting HIV.

At a glance

  • Medicine taken by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV.
  • Highly effective at preventing HIV through sex when taken as prescribed.
  • Available as pills and, in some countries, as long-acting injections.
  • Does not protect against other STIs or pregnancy.
  • Involves regular check-ups, including HIV and STI tests.

In detail

PrEP is usually a pill taken daily or, for some people, around the time of sex, following a set schedule. Long-acting injectable versions are also available in some countries. Taken as prescribed, it is highly effective at preventing HIV through sex.

People on PrEP have regular check-ups that include HIV and STI tests and kidney monitoring. PrEP does not protect against other STIs or pregnancy, so it is often combined with condoms.

"On PrEP" in a dating profile signals that the person takes this medicine and is usually tested regularly.

In a sentence

  • I'm on PrEP and get tested every three months.
  • My clinic said I could start PrEP after a quick appointment and some blood tests.

Where the word comes from

Short for pre-exposure prophylaxis: protection taken before a possible exposure, as opposed to PEP, which is taken after.

Not to be confused with

  • PEP

    PEP is taken after a possible exposure, as an emergency measure, rather than before.

  • Doxy-PEP

    Doxy-PEP is an antibiotic used after sex to lower the risk of some bacterial STIs, not HIV.

Common questions

What is the difference between PrEP and PEP?

PrEP is taken before possible exposure to HIV, on an ongoing basis. PEP is an emergency course started as soon as possible after a possible exposure, ideally within hours and no later than 72 hours.

Does PrEP protect against other STIs?

No. PrEP only prevents HIV. Condoms and regular testing help with other STIs.

Where can I get PrEP?

Sexual health clinics, some family doctors and some online services provide it, depending on the country. A clinician will check whether it is suitable and arrange the tests that go with it.

Related terms

Sources

  1. HIV.govPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
  2. NHSHIV and AIDS: prevention
  3. Planned ParenthoodPrEP