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What is Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)?
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
"Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)" is a preventive measure designed for individuals at a high risk of contracting HIV, but who are currently HIV-negative. It involves a daily pill regimen containing two medications typically used to treat HIV. By taking PrEP consistently, you can significantly reduce the chances of HIV infection in the event of exposure through sexual activity or injection drug use.
PrEP is a potent tool for HIV prevention and can be complemented with additional precautions such as condom usage and other preventive methods to enhance its protective effect. Those opting for PrEP should commit to a daily medication routine and regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider, scheduled every three months. It's important to understand that PrEP does not safeguard against syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, for those using PrEP due to injection drug use, it does not provide protection against Hepatitis C, skin infections, or heart infections.
Our primary care professionals at Orenda Health and Wellness are here to address all your questions regarding PrEP. If it is deemed suitable for your sexual health, we will connect you with our in-house PrEP Coordinator to enroll you in the PrEP program.
Can Anyone Use Prep?
PrEP is not a one-size-fits-all solution. According to federal guidelines, PrEP should be considered for individuals who are HIV-negative but face a notably high risk of HIV infection. This group includes those in an ongoing relationship with an HIV-positive partner, as well as individuals who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Not in a mutually monogamous relationship and are a gay or bisexual man who has engaged in unprotected anal sex or been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection within the past six (6) months.
- Men who engage in sexual activity with both men and women.
- Heterosexual individuals who do not consistently use condoms during sexual encounters with partners whose HIV status is unknown but are at substantial risk of HIV infection (e.g., people who inject drugs or women with bisexual male partners).
- People who have injected drugs in the last six (6) months, shared needles or paraphernalia, or have undergone drug treatment during the same period.
In these situations, PrEP may be recommended as a preventive measure. PrEP is specifically intended for individuals who face ongoing, substantial risks of HIV infection. If it is deemed suitable for your sexual health, we will connect you with our in-house PrEP Coordinator to enroll you in the PrEP.
What is PEP?
PrEP is specifically intended for individuals who face ongoing, substantial risk of HIV infection.
However, if you require protection against HIV after a high-risk incident, such as unprotected sex, needle-sharing during injection drug use, or sexual assault, there is an alternative known as
post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP.
It's crucial to start PEP within 72 hours (three days) after a possible exposure to HIV. The sooner PEP is started after a possible HIV exposure, the better. According to research, PEP will most likely not prevent HIV infection if it is started more than 72 hours after a person is exposed to HIV.
Our primary care professionals at Orenda Health and Wellness are here to address all your questions regarding PrEP or PEP.