PrEP is a medication that prevents HIV transmission for anyone - straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, cisgender, non-binary, male, or female.
Getting on PrEP can improve your sexual health and give you more freedom and control over your sex life
PrEP is traditionally a once-a-day medication, but is also available as an on-demand medication for cisgender men who have sex with men
It’s important to talk to your provider about your sexual habits and health history, so they can determine if PrEP is right for you, how it should be taken, and how long you must be on PrEP before it takes effect.
The first step for anyone interested in starting PrEP is to get tested for HIV. Getting tested is necessary to get PrEP, but it’s also an important way to stay safe for anyone who is sexually active. Contact The LOFT's Helpline for more information on where you can get tested.
It is important to know that PrEP does not protect against other STIs. It is still necessary to use a condom or other physical barrier to protect against most STIs, such as chlamydia, hepatitis, or gonorrhea.
What is PEP and how is it different from PrEP?
PEP stands for “post-exposure prophylaxis,” while PrEP stands for “pre-exposure prophylaxis.” While PrEP is a medication to prevent HIV infection before being exposed to HIV, PEP is a medication that can be taken after being exposed to HIV to stop infection. PEP must be taken within 72 hours of being exposed in order to be effective.