PrEP
Prevention of HIV is a leading priority in the healthcare space. Preventing the spread of HIV is how we end HIV worldwide.
One of the ways you can prevent HIV is using condoms always with partners who are HIV positive or of unknown HIV status.
Another way to prevent HIV is by taking pre-exposure prophylaxis, known as PrEP.
How Effective Is PrEP?
Studies completed on the effectiveness of PrEP show that it greatly reduces the risk of contracting HIV.
PrEP comes in pill form or in injections.
Who Can Take PrEP?
Anyone can take PrEP. Much of the research was completed initially on men who have sex with men. Now studies are including all patient populations and show incredible effectiveness across the board.
If you have a consistent HIV-negative partner or you always know the status of your partners, you may not need PrEP because your risk of contracting HIV is incredibly low. You should talk to your provider to help you make an informed decision about your risks.
Side Effects
In the first two weeks after starting PrEP, it is very common for patients to have stomach upset including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This will get better after the first two weeks and will not return if you are consistent with your medication.
Starting PrEP
To start PrEP, your provider will order blood work to be completed, including an HIV test. The HIV test will be repeated every 3 months. It is important to be sure you have not contracted HIV since your last appointment. If you have, we want to be sure to get you HIV treatment instead of prevention.
PEP
Another important form of HIV prevention is called post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP.
When Should You Use PEP?
PEP should be used within 72 hours of unprotected sex with a person who is HIV positive or of unknown HIV status. This is also recommended after a sexual assault.
What Is the Treatment?
PEP is a regimen of oral medications that is taken for 28 days post-exposure. You will have lab work completed when you come for your PEP appointment to ensure it is safe for you to complete the treatment.
Follow-Up
Follow-up is recommended at 1 month for repeat labs and HIV testing, 3 months for HIV testing, and 6 months for HIV testing.
Side Effects
Unfortunately, you can experience stomach upset for the first two weeks, and that is considered a normal side effect. It will improve after the first two weeks.
It is important to finish all of your medication even if your initial testing is negative, because it can take up to 6 months for HIV to be seen in the bloodstream.
Learn More About STI Testing and HIV Prevention
This article is part of Haven Health Education, where we explain HIV prevention and STI care so you can make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
PrEP and PEP in Greensboro and Across North Carolina
If you are interested in PrEP or need PEP after a possible HIV exposure, Haven Health provides confidential, judgment-free care in Greensboro, North Carolina and by telehealth across the state.
Many patients have questions about whether they should start PrEP, what to expect with side effects, and how to access PEP quickly after an exposure. Haven Health helps you understand your risk and start prevention safely.
Patients from Greensboro, High Point, Jamestown, Oak Ridge, Summerfield, Kernersville, and surrounding Guilford County communities visit Haven Health for compassionate HIV prevention care.
If you live anywhere in Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Asheville, Wilmington, or anywhere in NC, you can meet with a provider virtually to discuss prevention, and we can send you orders for testing to be completed at a lab near you.
Haven Health provides patient-centered, evidence-based STI and HIV prevention care both in person and online across North Carolina.