Protection that works
Condoms, PrEP, and U=U
Condoms, PrEP, and U=U all really prevent HIV, in different ways. Here is what each one does, and how people mix them.
Opens a map of clinics close to you
Three tools, not a ranking
Condoms, PrEP, and U=U all prevent HIV for real. They work differently and cover different things, so “which is best” is the wrong question. The right question is which ones fit your life. Many people use more than one.
Condoms
A barrier that works the moment you put one on. Condoms are the only tool here that also lowers the chance of other STIs, and the only one that prevents pregnancy. Most failures are use mistakes, and those are easy to fix: see how to use condoms so they work.
PrEP
Medicine an HIV-negative person takes before sex, a daily pill or a shot every two months. Taken as prescribed, it blocks HIV about 99 percent of the time. It protects against HIV only. See PrEP, medicine that prevents HIV.
U=U
Treatment as prevention. A person living with HIV who takes their medicine and stays undetectable cannot pass HIV on through sex. Not lower risk, none. See what U=U means.
How they stack
Each tool covers something the others miss. Condoms cover other STIs and pregnancy. PrEP and U=U cover HIV completely, with nothing to remember in the moment. Testing ties every mix together, because most STIs show no signs.
Picking what fits
There is no wrong answer. Pick what you will actually use, and change it when your life changes. A clinic can help you sort it out in one visit, and the visit is quick.