If you’re exploring ways to protect your health and prevent HIV, you’ve likely heard of PrEP, a prep pill that can reduce your risk of infection by over 99%. But one common question remains: What Is the Best Time to Start Taking PrEP?
The best time to start taking PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is before you’re exposed to HIV. The goal is to build protective levels of the medication in your body so it can block the virus before it has a chance to establish an infection. This article explores the best timing, who should consider starting PrEP, and how to begin through our services where most users pay $0.
What Is a PrEP Pill for HIV?
A PrEP pill is a daily oral medication for people who do not have HIV but may be at risk of exposure. It’s FDA-approved, safe, and taken once per day. When used correctly, it’s highly effective at preventing HIV transmission through sexual contact and injection drug use.
There are two main PrEP options:
- Truvada (generic available)
- Descovy (for certain populations)
The HIV prevention pill PrEP is most effective when taken consistently. It works by preventing HIV from multiplying and establishing itself in your body.
When Should You Start PrEP?
1. Before You Enter a New Relationship or Start Having New Partners
If you’re planning to become sexually active with a new partner or multiple partners especially without consistent condom use, it’s smart to start PrEP before exposure. Give the medication time to build protection in your system.
- For receptive anal sex: protective levels are reached in 7 days
- For vaginal sex or injection drug use: allow up to 21 days
2. If You’ve Had an STD in the Past 6–12 Months
An STD diagnosis is a strong predictor of HIV risk. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis, starting a prep pill to prevent HIV is a smart, proactive step.
3. If You’re in a Serodiscordant Relationship
A serodiscordant relationship means one partner is HIV-positive and the other is negative. If your partner is living with HIV, starting PrEP is an added layer of protection especially if they haven’t yet achieved an undetectable viral load.
4. If You’re Not Always Using Condoms
While condoms are still an effective tool in HIV prevention, they require perfect use to be effective. If you sometimes have condomless sex whether by choice or due to circumstances starting PrEP now can help you stay protected even when mistakes happen.
5. If You’re a Sex Worker or Have High-Risk Exposure
If your lifestyle or occupation puts you in a higher-risk category, PrEP is a valuable preventive tool. It offers discreet, consistent protection and can be used in combination with other safer sex practices.
Signs You Should Start PrEP Immediately
You should consider starting PrEP right away if:
- You’ve recently had unprotected sex and don’t know your partner’s status
- You’ve had multiple partners without consistent condom use
- You share needles or drug equipment
- Your partner has tested HIV-positive
- You’re planning to stop using condoms with a new or current partner
If you’ve had a potential exposure in the last 72 hours, ask about PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). After that window, PrEP becomes your best long-term prevention strategy.
How to Start Taking PrEP?
The easiest way to start PrEP is through us, where most users pay $0 out of pocket. You can complete the entire process online, including:
- Filling out a health questionnaire
- Receiving a free at-home HIV and STD test kit
- Telehealth visit with a licensed provider
- Getting a prescription for your PrEP pill
- Receiving discreet delivery every month
This process removes the need to visit a clinic or pharmacy, making prevention accessible, fast, and private.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Start PrEP?
Waiting to start PrEP until after a risky encounter is too late. Unlike PEP, which is used after exposure, PrEP must be taken in advance.
By delaying PrEP, you leave yourself unprotected at a time when your risk may be highest. If you’re sexually active and unsure of your partner’s HIV status, the best time to start PrEP is now before any potential exposure happens.
Staying Protected After Testing Negative
When you begin with us, you’ll complete a free HIV and STD testing kit to confirm you’re HIV-negative. Once you’re cleared, you can begin your daily PrEP routine immediately.
Bonus: Ask About DoxyPEP
In addition to PrEP, we also offers DoxyPEP, a doxy prep pill taken after sex to reduce the risk of bacterial STIs like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
When combined, PrEP and DoxyPEP offer comprehensive protection for those at higher risk.
Common Questions About Starting PrEP
How long does it take for PrEP to work?
It takes 7 days for anal tissue protection and up to 21 days for vaginal tissue. Start as early as possible to ensure full protection.
Can I start PrEP if I just had unprotected sex?
If it’s within 72 hours, ask about PEP. If it’s beyond that window, start PrEP now to prevent future infections.
Do I need to keep taking PrEP forever?
No. You can stop when your risk decreases such as entering a monogamous relationship with an HIV-negative partner. But always consult your provider first.
How much does PrEP cost?
At MISTR, most users pay $0. This includes testing, provider visits, and medication delivery.
Final Thoughts: The Best Time to Start PrEP Is Now
If you’re asking “When should I start taking PrEP?” the safest answer is: before you’re at risk. Whether you’ve had a recent partner change, received an STD diagnosis, or simply want peace of mind, there’s no better time to protect your health than right now.
With MISTR, starting PrEP is fast, private, and free for most users. You don’t have to wait for an appointment or face uncomfortable clinic visits. Just sign up, test at home, and start your prep pill HIV plan today.