HIV prevention is more accessible than ever, yet many people still hesitate to take that first step. The truth is, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is one of the most effective tools for HIV prevention, and getting on it at the right time can make a huge difference in your long-term health.
But how do you know if it’s time to start? Certain life situations—like starting a new relationship, having condomless sex, or receiving an STI diagnosis—could mean that now is the perfect time to explore PrEP as an option. This guide will help you understand key signs, evaluate your personal risk, and answer common questions about when to consider PrEP.
Key Takeaways
- If your risk of HIV exposure has increased, now is the right time to consider PrEP.
- PrEP is recommended for people in new relationships, those with multiple partners, or individuals who have recently been diagnosed with an STI.
- Sexual health should be proactive—waiting for a risk to occur before starting PrEP could leave you unprotected.
- Services like MISTR make it quick, easy, and free to get on PrEP & get started without in-person doctor visits.
5 Signs You Should Consider PrEP
If you’re unsure about whether PrEP is right for you, these signs can help you decide.
1. You’ve Started a New Relationship and Aren’t Sure of Your Partner’s HIV Status
Starting a new relationship comes with a lot of unknowns, and one of the biggest is your partner’s HIV status. Even if your partner believes they are HIV-negative, they might not have recently tested.
Why It Matters: HIV can be asymptomatic for years, so unless your partner has tested recently, there’s no way to be 100% sure. PrEP adds an extra layer of security, no matter what.
Solution: If you’re in a new relationship and haven’t had “the talk” about testing, PrEP is a smart step to protect yourself while you and your partner get tested.
2. You’ve Recently Had an STI Diagnosis
If you’ve been diagnosed with an STI, your risk of contracting HIV is significantly higher. Some infections, like syphilis and gonorrhea, increase susceptibility to HIV by causing inflammation and lesions that make transmission easier.
Why It Matters: Studies show that having an STI can double or triple the risk of HIV transmission. If you’ve had an STI in the past six months, that’s a strong indicator that you should consider PrEP.
Solution: After an STI diagnosis, adding PrEP to your long-term sexual health strategy can be a game-changer in preventing future risks.
3. You Have Condom-less Sex or Multiple Partners
If you sometimes skip condoms or have multiple sexual partners, your risk of HIV exposure increases. While condoms remain an important preventive tool, PrEP offers an added layer of protection that works even when condoms aren’t used.
Why It Matters: Life happens—whether a condom breaks, you’re in a heat-of-the-moment situation, or you prefer condomless sex, PrEP ensures you’re protected even when things don’t go as planned.
Solution: If you’ve ever thought, “Would I feel safer knowing I have a backup prevention plan in place?” the answer is yes, and PrEP is that plan.
4. You Have a Partner Who Is Living with HIV (or You’re in an Open Relationship)
If your partner is living with HIV, or you’re in an open relationship, PrEP is one of the best ways to stay protected.
Why It Matters: While modern HIV treatments can make the virus undetectable (and therefore untransmittable), PrEP provides an extra layer of confidence—especially for those navigating open relationships.
Solution: If you’re regularly exposed to a partner with HIV or you and your partner date others, PrEP is a powerful tool that allows you to enjoy your relationships without worrying about HIV transmission.
5. You Use or Share Needles for Any Reason
While HIV transmission through needle use is often associated with drug use, it can also happen through tattoos, hormone injections, or shared medical equipment.
Why It Matters: Sharing needles is one of the most direct routes for HIV transmission. If this is part of your routine, PrEP should absolutely be in your prevention plan.
Solution: If you’re using shared needles for any purpose, PrEP can reduce your risk significantly. Pairing it with needle exchange programs and other harm reduction strategies is the best approach.
Checklist: Is It Time to Get on PrEP?
If you relate to any of the following, PrEP may be a good option for you:
✔ I’ve had a new sexual partner recently.
✔ I’m not always using condoms.
✔ I’ve been diagnosed with an STI in the past six months.
✔ I have multiple sexual partners.
✔ I have a partner living with HIV.
✔ I’m in an open or non-monogamous relationship.
✔ I use or share needles for any reason.
If you checked any of these boxes, it’s time to consider PrEP for added protection.
How to Get On PrEP Easily
If you’ve decided that PrEP is right for you, the next step is getting started. Fortunately, you don’t need an in-person doctor visit to get your PrEP prescription
Here’s how to get PrEP through MISTR , which makes it easy and free to get on PrEP:
- Online Consultation – No in-person doctor visit required.
- Free At-Home Testing – HIV and STI tests shipped to you.
- Prescription Approval – Once cleared, your prescription is sent to the pharmacy.
- Free Discreet Delivery – PrEP is shipped directly to your door.
The best part? MISTR handles the entire process for free, including lab work and consultations.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If you’ve ever asked, “When should I start PrEP?” the answer might be now. HIV prevention shouldn’t be a last-minute decision; it should be a proactive part of your health routine.
Whether you’re starting a new relationship, recovering from an STI, or just want peace of mind, PrEP is one of the best steps you can take for your sexual health.
If you’re ready to get on PrEP, MISTR makes the process quick, free, and hassle-free. Don’t wait—take charge of your health today.
FAQs
1. How do I know if I need PrEP?
If you’ve had a new sexual partner, been diagnosed with an STI recently, or engage in condomless sex, PrEP could be a good option for you. It’s best for anyone at risk of HIV exposure, whether through sex or shared needle use.
2. Can I stop taking PrEP if my risk level changes?
Yes! PrEP isn’t a lifetime commitment. If your circumstances change, such as entering a monogamous relationship where both partners are HIV-negative, you can discuss stopping PrEP with your healthcare provider.
3. Do I need to take PrEP every day for it to work?
Yes, daily adherence is key to ensuring PrEP reaches full effectiveness. For vaginal sex, it takes about 21 days of consistent use to become fully protective, while for anal sex, it takes about 7 days.
4. Does PrEP have side effects?
Most people tolerate PrEP well, but some may experience mild nausea, headaches, or stomach discomfort when first starting. These usually go away within a few weeks. If side effects persist, talk to your doctor.
5. How can I get PrEP without visiting a doctor in person?
Services like MISTR offer a completely free and discreet process to get PrEP online. You can complete an online consultation, receive an at-home HIV test, and have your prescription delivered—all without visiting a doctor in person.
