![]() ![]() By consistently taking their medication, people living with HIV are able to lower the amount of HIV in their bodies to undetectable levels. ![]() Consider getting tested together.ĭate Undetectable. Ask sexual partners about the last time they got tested for HIV and other STIs. Having an active STI, or even a history of certain STIs, can make it easier to acquire or transmit HIV. It’s the only way to know if you or a partner has HIV. Use Lube.Use water-based or silicone-based lubricant – particularly for anal or vaginal sex – to prevent tears in the skin and to keep condoms from breaking. Use Condoms.Find the right size and choose a type of condom you like. There are several steps you can take to reduce the chances of contracting HIV, including: Studies have shown that PrEP can be beneficial for people of various gender identities and sexual orientations. ![]() Generally, PrEP is for anyone at increased risk for contracting HIV, including anyone who is in an ongoing relationship with a person living with HIV, anyone who does not consistently use a condom, and anyone who shares injection drug or hormone equipment. Only a medical provider can help you answer that question for sure. If you are uninsured or underinsured, ask your healthcare provider about pharmaceutical patient assistance programs, which may be able to offset the cost of the medication. Most private insurance plans cover PrEP, as does Medicaid, the state-run health insurance program for low-income individuals. Be sure to consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider before starting or ending a PrEP regimen.Īny licensed healthcare provider can prescribe PrEP. However, any time you start PrEP, it is important to remember that it generally takes at least 7-22 days of daily use for it to reach full effectiveness. With proper medical guidance, people can safely start and stop taking PrEP at different points in their lives. If I start PrEP, does this mean I have to take it for the rest of my life? While more research is needed, PrEP appears to work for those taking gender-affirming hormones. How will taking PrEP affect my use of hormones? It's also important to remember that STIs remain relatively easy to treat or cure in the United States. While PrEP does not protect against other STIs or unwanted pregnancy, it can be paired with condoms and other prevention strategies for additional protection. Talk to a knowledgeable healthcare provider if you are concerned about or experience any of these side-effects.ĭoes PrEP protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Rare side effects include kidney or bone problems. PrEP can cause mild side effects, including upset stomach, headaches, and weight loss, especially at the beginning of the regimen. PrEP has been used to treat people living with HIV since 2004. PrEP is safe and generally well-tolerated. For vaginal sex, it takes at least twenty days of daily use. How long does it take for PrEP to start working?įor anal sex, it takes at least seven days of daily use for PrEP to reach full effectiveness. ![]() Daily adherence is essential to maintaining PrEP’s effectiveness. PrEP should be taken once every day, ideally at the same time of day. PrEP is much less effective if it is not taken daily. When taken as prescribed, PrEP has been shown to be more than 90 percent effective against contracting HIV. When taken as prescribed, PrEP blocks the virus from making copies of itself and spreading throughout the body. It takes a few days for HIV to become established in the body following exposure. It is an FDA-approved prescription medication. It is a once-daily pill regimen that can help you stay HIV-negative. PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. ![]()
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