What is PrEP?
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication that can help prevent HIV.
Who might need PrEP?
PrEP is for people who do not have HIV but are at higher risk of getting it.
You might benefit from taking PrEP if:
- You belong to a community with higher rates of HIV or have sex within networks where HIV is more common
- You have a partner or partners recently diagnosed with HIV who are not yet undetectable
(Undetectable means someone living with HIV is on effective treatment and cannot pass it on to their sexual partners)
How can you access PrEP?
PrEP is available for free from Sexual Health Services Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Call the sexual health service on 0300 131 7010 to make an appointment at a clinic near you.
How do you take PrEP?
PrEP is a pill that can be ‘taken daily’ (for constant protection) or ‘event-based’ (for protection only around the time you have sex). This is often used by people who have sex less often than weekly and know when they are likely to have sex.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I consider PrEP even if I’m not a gay man?
Yes. HIV can affect anyone of any sexuality or gender. In the UK, around half of people living with HIV are gay and bisexual men and the other half are not.
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Does PrEP protect against other STIs?
No. PrEP only protects against HIV. Using condoms and regular STI testing are still important.
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Can I use PrEP with my contraception?
Yes. It is safe to use PrEP with contraception. They will not affect each other.