Medically reviewed by Jeffrey Kwong, DNP, MPH, AGPCNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN
Narrator: Think you’re not at risk for HIV? Think again! Anyone who’s having sex without a condom is at risk of getting HIV. And, when it comes to protecting yourself, there are really good options out there.
The first one is called PrEP, which stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It comes as a pill or a shot — and it lowers your risk of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use by a lot!
The second is an emergency medication called post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP. If you take it within 3 days of a possible HIV exposure, it can keep you from getting the virus.
The sooner you take PEP, the better it works. So don’t wait!
Both PrEP and PEP need a prescription. So talk to your healthcare provider about how you can stay HIV-free.
This resource was created with support from Gilead.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) - HealthyWomen ›
- PrEP Is for Women, Too ›
- HIV/AIDS Support Group Finder ›
- Medications That Treat and Prevent HIV ›
- Your Guide to HIV & Aging ›
- PrEP and PEP: Prevention for HIV ›
