When it comes to preventing HIV, education and proactive healthcare can make a life-saving difference. One of the most effective tools available today is PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, a daily medication that significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection in people who are HIV-negative. Whether you’ve heard of PrEP in passing or are actively exploring your prevention options, understanding how it works and who it’s recommended for is key. In this blog, we’ll break down what PrEP is, how it protects you, and who might benefit most from taking it.
In This Blog:
- What Is PrEP?
- How Does PrEP Work?
- Types of PrEP Medications
- Effectiveness of PrEP
- Who Should Consider Taking PrEP?
- How to Get Started on PrEP
What Is PrEP?
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, a medical strategy used to prevent HIV infection before potential exposure. It involves taking a daily pill prescribed by a healthcare provider. When taken consistently, PrEP helps protect individuals who are HIV-negative from becoming HIV-positive, especially those who may be at higher risk due to sexual activity or injection drug use. PrEP is not a vaccine or a cure for HIV, but rather a preventive measure that can be highly effective when used as directed.
How Does PrEP Work?
PrEP works by building up concentrations of antiretroviral medications in your bloodstream and tissues. If HIV enters the body through sexual contact or shared needles, the medication helps block the virus from establishing an infection. It essentially stops HIV from replicating and spreading throughout the body. However, to be effective, PrEP must be taken consistently and missing doses can lower its ability to prevent HIV. When used daily, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection by up to 99% for sexual transmission and at least 74% for people who inject drugs.
Types of PrEP Medications
There are currently two FDA-approved oral medications for PrEP in the United States:
Truvada®
Truvada® (emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) was the first PrEP medication approved and is suitable for most individuals at risk of HIV, including men and women who have vaginal or anal sex and people who inject drugs.
Descovy®
Descovy® (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) is a newer option approved for use in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women. It is not yet approved for individuals at risk through receptive vaginal sex.
Both medications are taken once daily and work similarly by blocking HIV’s ability to replicate in the body. A long-acting injectable PrEP option, Apretude® (cabotegravir), is also available for some patients, offering an alternative to daily pills with an injection administered every two months. Your healthcare provider can help determine which option is best for your lifestyle, risk factors, and health history.
Effectiveness of PrEP
When taken consistently, PrEP is one of the most effective tools available for preventing HIV. Clinical studies have shown that:
- Daily oral PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sexual activity by about 99% when used as prescribed.
- Among people who inject drugs, daily PrEP reduces the risk of HIV by at least 74%.
However, effectiveness depends heavily on adherence. Skipping doses can significantly reduce protection, especially for those at higher risk of frequent exposure. Long-acting injectable PrEP, such as Apretude®, has also demonstrated strong protection, offering an alternative for individuals who find it difficult to take a daily pill.
It’s important to note that while PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy. Using condoms and maintaining regular STI testing can further enhance your sexual health.
Who Should Consider Taking PrEP?
PrEP is recommended for people who are HIV-negative and at higher risk for HIV exposure. You might consider PrEP if any of the following apply to you:
- You have a sexual partner who is living with HIV, especially if they are not virally suppressed.
- You have multiple sexual partners and do not always use condoms.
- You’ve been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past 6 months.
- You are a man who has sex with men, or a transgender woman who has sex with men, particularly if other risk factors are present.
- You engage in sex work.
- You inject drugs and share needles or other equipment.
- You’re seeking a safe strategy to protect yourself while trying to conceive with a partner who has HIV.
If you’re unsure whether PrEP is right for you, a healthcare provider can help assess your risk and discuss options based on your lifestyle and medical history.
How to Get Started on PrEP
Starting PrEP involves a few simple but important steps:
Schedule a Medical Appointment
A healthcare provider will assess your risk, discuss PrEP options, and review your medical history.
HIV Testing
You must test negative for HIV before starting PrEP. This ensures you’re not already infected, as PrEP is not a treatment for HIV.
Additional Lab Work
Your provider may check kidney function, test for hepatitis B, and screen for other STIs to ensure PrEP is safe and appropriate for you.
Get Your Prescription
Once cleared, you’ll receive a prescription for a daily PrEP medication (or a long-acting injectable if eligible and preferred).
Establish a Follow-Up Routine
You’ll need regular check-ins (typically every 3 months) for HIV testing, STI screening, and monitoring for side effects or changes in health.
These steps ensure that you stay healthy, HIV-free, and informed throughout your PrEP journey.
Conclusion
PrEP is a groundbreaking HIV prevention strategy that empowers individuals with the ability to protect their health proactively. When taken as directed, either daily as a pill or by long‑acting injectable, PrEP significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission from sex or injectable drug use. It works best when paired with regular testing, good adherence, and safe practices. Understanding PrEP and knowing who might benefit from it is the first step toward taking control of your sexual health.
Healthcare Unity Group (HUG) in Melbourne, FL, and Kearny, NJ, offers PrEP services completely free, including medical consultations, routine testing, medication access, and ongoing support, whether in‑person or via telehealth.
