What is PrEP?

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medications such as Truvada and Descovy help prevent HIV, which means it is taken BEFORE exposure to HIV. PrEP can help prevent HIV infection from having sex or sharing needles. PrEP is 99% effective for preventing sexual transmission and 74% effective for transmission through injection drug use. PrEP reaches maximum protection from HIV for receptive anal sex at about 7 days of daily use. For receptive vaginal sex and injection drug use, PrEP reaches maximum protection at about 21 days of daily use. For PrEP to be fully effective, a regimen should always be established.

Is PrEP the Right Fit For Me?

PrEP is for people who are HIV-negative and may have a higher chance of getting HIV through sex.

It's NOT to be used in emergencies, as a one-time-only strategy, as a prevention method for other STIs or pregnancy, or for people who are living with HIV.

PrEP is right for you if:

  • You have had sex in the past 6 months and your partner is living with HIV
  • You do not consistently wear condoms during sex
  • You have been recently diagnosed with an STI
  • You inject drugs and share your equipment with another person
  • You have taken PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) in the past and your risk for exposure to HIV continues
  • Have taken PEP multiple times after exposures to HIV

If none of these apply to you, it’s possible they could in the future—so just remember, you can always schedule an appoint with Inspire Healthcare to see if PrEP may be an option for you.

How effective is PrEP?

Studies have shown the PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by 99% when taken consistently. Among people who inject drugs, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV by at least 74% when taken consistently. Since PrEP does not protect against other STDs, use condoms the right way every time you have sex.