PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is a preventive medication taken regularly by people who are HIV-negative but may face exposure — building a defense before the virus ever reaches the body. Used consistently, it is highly effective at reducing the risk of acquiring HIV through sex.

Who PrEP is right for is something to talk through honestly with a doctor or testing service, not a source of shame: for instance, when a partner is living with HIV (see serodiscordant), or after recent sex without protection. Starting and staying on PrEP usually involves HIV and related tests to confirm it is suitable and safe for you.

Register note: PrEP is a neutral public-health term. Like U=U, it is part of shifting HIV prevention away from fear and morality toward tools and choices — looking into it does not mean you did anything wrong.

Common misreading: first, confusing it with PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) — PrEP is long-term prevention taken before, PEP is emergency treatment taken after; second, assuming PrEP makes you fully safe from everything — it targets HIV only, not other sexually transmitted infections, and it works only when taken as prescribed.