Welcome To Your Guide For PrEP, PEP, & HIV Prevention

Does being on PrEP mean that I can give up condoms?

Often, the reason that people are going onto PrEP is because they weren’t actually using condoms to start with. What we have found is that if a person is using PrEP as their protection against HIV, if they don’t use a condom or a condom breaks every now and then, they will still be protected against HIV. We do recommend that people continue to use condoms, because they can help reduce the risk of other sexually-transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and even herpes. They don’t absolutely protect against these transmissions; however, they can help reduce them.

Is PrEP only for gay men?

The answer is no, PrEP is not just for gay men.

PrEP is for all people who are at potential risk of HIV infection. This includes men who have sex with men, trans men, trans women, as well as male & female heterosexuals.

Short answer: no, you don’t need food. Empty stomach is fine, with a meal is fine, and there’s no particular time of day you have to hit.

Do STD’s Block PrEP From Working?

One question I am often asked is if the presence of a sexually-transmitted infection ( STI )mean that PrEP will not work?

“I’m a top, so I’m fine.”

It’s one of the most durable bits of folk wisdom going around, and I hear it in clinic constantly. It’s half right, which is exactly what makes it dangerous.

How does PrEP work?

When HIV infects a T cell, it has an ability to take over the replication mechanisms within creating copies of itself.

Do I Need Condoms If I Am On PrEP?

PrEP protects against HIV, however, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections.

No, daily isn’t the only way to take PrEP. Here’s how on-demand (2-1-1) dosing works and who it’s for.

PrEP only works on HIV. Here’s what it misses, where condoms and doxy-PEP actually help, and why the 3-monthly screen does the heavy lifting.

What happens if you miss a tablet of PrEP?

The good thing is that there is a bit of leeway when it comes to taking PrEP. If you are missing a tablet every now and then, it’s not that big of deal. You will still be protected for HIV. However, we do recommend that you take the tablet every day.