Everything You Need to Know About PrEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a drug regimen that can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by up to 99%. If taken daily as prescribed, PrEP can provide an extra layer of protection for sexually active individuals, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community who are at higher risk for contracting HIV. But what exactly is PrEP and why should you consider taking it?

What is PrEP?
PrEP consists of two medications (Truvada and Descovy) that are combined in one pill. When taken consistently and correctly, they stop the HIV virus from replicating inside your body, significantly reducing the chance of infection. For maximum protection against HIV, PrEP should be taken every day. For anal sex, PrEP is most effective after 7 consecutive days. For vaginal sex, it is most effective after 21 days of consecutive use.

Who Should Take PrEP?
PrEP is recommended for individuals who are at high risk of contracting HIV due to their sexual activity. This includes people who have multiple sexual partners, have unprotected sex with someone whose HIV status is unknown, use IV drugs or share needles, or engage in anal sex without a condom. Anyone can contract HIV, but historically, HIV has spread throughout the LGBTQ+ community (specifically MSM), affecting people of color at a higher rate. The transgender population is also adversely affected by HIV, specifically trans women.

What Are the Benefits of Taking PrEP?
One of the biggest benefits of taking PrEP is peace of mind. Knowing that you are doing everything you can to protect yourself from HIV will help ensure that both your physical and mental health remain in good shape. Additionally, taking PrEP has been shown to reduce stigma around sexual health and provide confidence in relationships since partners no longer need to worry about infecting each other with HIV.

Ultimately, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about whether or not PrEP is right for you. If you'd like to speak with an LGBTQ+-allied provider at the Fosnight Center, please contact us for an appointment.