Protection that works
PrEP, medicine that prevents HIV
PrEP is medicine an HIV-negative person takes so HIV cannot take hold. Taken as prescribed, it works about 99 percent of the time.
What PrEP is
A daily pill, or a shot every two months, for people who do not have HIV. Taken as prescribed it blocks HIV from sex about 99 percent of the time. The pills take about a week to reach full protection for ass sex and about three weeks for pussy sex.
Who it is for
Anyone who wants HIV protection they do not have to think about in the moment. You do not have to justify your sex life to get it. Asking is enough.
How to start
One clinic visit. You take an HIV test first, get the prescription, and check in about every three months for a quick test and a refill. Telehealth options exist in most states.
What it costs
Nearly all U.S. insurance must cover PrEP with no copay: the medicine, the visits, and the labs. No insurance? Federal and drugmaker programs cover most people for free. The locator below can point you somewhere that will sort it out.
What it does not cover
HIV only. Condoms still carry the load for other STIs and pregnancy, and regular testing stays part of the routine.
PrEP is not PEP
PrEP is before, PEP is after. If you might have been exposed to HIV and you are not on PrEP, PEP can still stop it, but only within 72 hours. Go now, then ask about PrEP for next time.