When you think of HIV prevention, condoms are probably the first thing that comes to mind—which is great, because they should! Condoms are a proven method to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during intercourse. But there is another option to prevent HIV—PrEP.

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. The word prophylaxis means to prevent or control the spread of an infection or disease. The goal of PrEP is to prevent HIV infection from taking hold if you are exposed to the virus.

PrEP involves taking medication to prevent HIV infection. Oral PrEP involves taking a pill once daily to prevent HIV infection in someone who is HIV-negative. Currently there are two pills approved for PrEP:

• Truvada 
• Descovy (for everyone except for people assigned female gender at birth who participate in vaginal sex).

When taken consistently, every day, oral PrEP has been shown to reduce the likelihood of HIV infection by about 99%.

There are also options for PrEP given by injection. One option—Apretude—is given every two months (following two starting doses given a month apart). This option is approved for adults and adolescents weighing at least 77 pounds. A second injectable option—Yetzugo—is given only twice a year.

Who should take PrEP?

So who is PrEP recommended for? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers these guidelines on people who should consider taking PrEP:

You have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months and you:

• have a sexual partner with HIV (especially if the partner has an unknown or detectable viral load);
• have not consistently used a condom, or;
• have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection in the past 6 months.

You inject drugs and you:

• have an injection partner with HIV, or;
• share needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment (for example, cookers).

PrEP + Condoms

PrEP shouldn’t be considered a replacement for condoms.  Rather, PrEP offers a new, highly effective prevention option—another tool in the HIV prevention toolbox that fits alongside condoms, not as a replacement. After all, while PrEP helps prevent HIV infection, condoms offer protection against many other STIs as well.

Despite the promise offered by PrEP, it isn’t necessarily the right choice for everyone. In addition to requiring taking pills or getting an injection consistently, those on PrEP are also advised to see health care provider regularly for follow ups and get tested for HIV every three months. But for those willing to take on the commitment, PrEP is a highly effective way to prevent HIV.

Where to Find PrEP

If you are interested in PrEP, you’ll want to find a provider who is both knowledgeable about PrEP and supportive of your decision. If you have a regular health care provider, you can start there. The PrEP locator below can also help you find a provider in your area.

Most insurance plans and state Medicaid programs cover PrEP. 

Some states have assistance programs to help pay for PrEP. Learn more about those here.

Manufacturers have assistance programs that can help cover cover out-of-pocket expenses for PrEP for eligible patients. Both Gilead and ViiV have patient assistance programs to help with prescription costs for those that qualify.