HIV - or human immunodeficiency virus - is a virus that still carries a lot of stigma and misunderstanding, despite the amazing medical advancements that have been made in recent years meaning more people than ever are living well with a positive diagnosis.
As well as taking regular HIV tests (which you can do at home, FYI), it's also super important for women and people of all gender identities to know about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).
What is PrEP?
PrEP is a course of drugs taken by HIV-negative people of all gender identities before and after sex. It reduces the risk of getting HIV and if taken correctly, meaning you don't have to worry about a partner's HIV status.
"PrEP works for everyone. It doesn’t matter what your sexual orientation or gender identity is, daily PrEP offers almost 100 per cent protection against HIV," says iWantPrEPNow co-founder Greg Owen. This has been backed up by numerous clinical studies.
How does PrEP work?
Taking PrEP before being exposed to the HIV virus means there’s enough of the drug inside you to block HIV if it gets into your body.
The medication used for PrEP is a tablet known as Truvada (or the generic equivalent), which contains two drugs that are commonly used to treat HIV - tenofovir and emtricitabine.
Women and people with vaginas need to take it daily for at least seven days before sex, and then daily during the time they are having sex.
It only protects against HIV, so you will still need to use condoms or dental dams to help reduce the risk contracting STIs.
Should you be taking PrEP?
You should be considering using PrEP if you think you might be at-risk of contracting HIV and/or are:
- HIV negative, and
- having sex in a "variety of situations where condoms are not easily used or not always used."
The PrEP assessment tool is anonymous, free to use and provides you with the all the information you need to make the best choice for you and the sex you have. The questions in the tool are designed to help you find out if PrEP could be right for you or someone you know. You'll need to give a little information about yourself and who you usually have sex with.
Several studies have shown that PrEP is effective for women and people with vaginas when taken as directed. "PrEP doesn’t interact with hormonal birth control," Greg Owen explains, "and it is safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding."
Where can you get PrEP?
If you live in England
PrEP is available and free on the NHS from sexual health clinics.
Initially, it was offered to 10,000 people in England via the IMPACT trial, which came to an end in July 2020.
If you live in Scotland
PrEP has been available at sexual health clinics across the country since July 2017 through NHS Scotland. Visit PrEPScot to find out more information about how to access it.
If you live in Wales
PrEP is now available through sexual health clinics and more information can be found at the Public Health Wales website.
Initially, PrEP in Wales was made available via a three-year pilot scheme that began in July 2017.
If you live in Northern Ireland
All GUM clinics in Northern Ireland are providing initial consultation and assessment appointments throughout a pilot trial, based at a centralised service in Belfast. This project will run for two years and there is currently no limit on how many people can access the service.
For more information or advice, contact Terrence Higgins Trust Direct on 0808 802 1221.
