Preventing HIV today is simpler, safer, and more effective than ever before. One of the best ways to stay protected is with PrEP, a preventive medication that can reduce your risk of HIV from sex by up to 99%. Let’s take a closer look at how it works and if it’s right for you.
What Is PrEP and How Does It Work?
Think of PrEP as a personal defense system that’s simple, discreet, and really effective. It has changed the way people approach sexual health, turning HIV prevention into an accessible and empowering process for everyone.
A Simple Explanation of PrEP
PrEP, short for pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a preventive medication for people who are HIV-negative. It works by building protective medicine in your bloodstream that stops HIV from multiplying if it ever enters your body. It’s kind of like setting up a security system for your immune cells.
Currently, there are two FDA-approved daily oral medications (Truvada and Descovy) for PrEP and two long-acting injectable forms. Injections are administered either once every other month (Apretude) or twice yearly (Yeztugo). Your healthcare provider can help you choose the option that best fits your lifestyle and comfort level.
Who Should Consider Taking PrEP?
PrEP is for anyone who wants more control over their sexual health, especially people who might be at higher risk for HIV exposure.
Is PrEP Right for You?
You must first test negative for HIV before being prescribed any form of PrEP. You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have a partner living with HIV, particularly if their viral load isn’t currently undetectable
- Have sex without condoms or with partners whose HIV status you don’t know
- Have had a recent STI
- Share injection equipment or have partners who do
- Have used PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) more than once
How Effective Is PrEP?
PrEP is considered highly effective in the prevention of HIV. It gives you strong, reliable protection when used correctly, offering peace of mind and control over your sexual health. However, it’s important to remember that PrEP only prevents HIV, not other STIs, so condoms are still a smart part of safer sex.
Real Results From Real Research
According to the CDC, PrEP lowers the risk of getting HIV from sex by up to 99% and by at least 74% for people who inject drugs.
Effectiveness depends on consistency. Missing doses can lower protection, so creating a routine or opting for an injectable version can help keep your coverage steady. In real-world studies, people who take PrEP as prescribed rarely contract HIV, showing just how powerful it can be when taken correctly.
What Happens When You Start PrEP?
Your experience with PrEP can vary based on whether you take the oral pill or the injectable form. Here’s what to expect from use and side effects once you start taking PrEP.
What to Expect When Taking PrEP
You must take PrEP pills every day for them to be effective. Injectable PrEP is administered by appointment once every two or six months. Depending on your regimen, your care provider may also provide you with pills to take for the first few days following injection. It’s important to stay on track with scheduled doses to maintain your HIV protection.
While on PrEP, you’ll want to stay on schedule with appointments and HIV testing. That ensures your medication continues to work effectively and that you remain protected.
Side effects are possible with PrEP. Most side effects are minor and temporary. Tell your care provider if you persistently experience any of the following after beginning PrEP:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Depression/mood changes
Getting Access to PrEP (Even Virtually)
PrEP is widely available. However, it can only be obtained via prescription from a healthcare provider. PrEP prescriptions are available from primary care doctors, OB/GYNs, and sexual health clinics. Even 100% virtual clinics offer at-home consultations and testing without the need for needles or doctor visits.
Easy Ways to Start PrEP
Reduce your risk for HIV dramatically by booking an appointment for PrEP with MISTR — the process is easy, quick, and confidential. With MISTR, your online PrEP prescription is delivered to your door. Our licensed physicians make the experience of taking control of your sexual health empowering and embarrassment-free. Don’t let HIV be the elephant in the room. With a few simple steps, you can reduce your HIV risk by as much as 99%.