HIV Prevention:
PrEP, PEP & DoxyPEP
What Can I Do to Prevent HIV?
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
One way to protect yourself against HIV is by taking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
What is PrEP?
PrEP are medications that people can take, before exposure, that can prevent them from getting HIV.
How Does PrEP Work?
PrEP works by stopping HIV from making copies of itself and spreading throughout the body.
How Well Does PrEP Work?
When taken consistently, as directed by a provider, PrEP is up to 99% effective at preventing HIV.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Prevent HIV If I Think I Was Already Exposed?
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
Yes, if you think you may have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours you can take Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
What is PEP?
PEP is a 28-day course of medication that a person can take to block HIV from establishing an infection, after a potential exposure.
How Does PEP Work?
PEP works in a similar way to PrEP. It also stops HIV from making copies of itself and spreading throughout the body.
How Effective is PEP?
PEP is highly effective when started in time and taken correctly. The sooner it is started after exposure, the better it works.
What About STIs? Is There Anything I Can Do to Prevent STIs?
Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP)
Yes, you can take Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP), a preventive approach that helps to reduce the chances of getting some Bacterial STIs.
What Exactly is DoxyPEP?
DoxyPEP involves taking a 200 mg dose of the antibiotic, Doxycycline, soon after condomless sex. By soon, we mean within 72 hours, but preferably within 24.
Which Bacterial STIs Does DoxyPEP Help to Prevent?
DoxyPEP helps to prevent Chlamydia, Syphilis, & Gonorrhea. It can reduce chances of Chlamydia & Syphilis by 70-80%, but is less effective against Gonorrhea.
How Does DoxyPEP Work?
DoxyPEP works by preventing bacteria from growing and causing infection. It acts like a "fire extinguisher" for STIs that entered the body but have not yet taken hold.
Using medications to prevent HIV and other STIs is a powerful tool for reducing infections and protecting individual and community health.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) are highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed—PrEP before potential exposure and PEP after a known or suspected exposure.
For bacterial STIs, Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) offers additional protection by reducing the risk of bacterial infections such as chlamydia, syphilis, and, to a lesser extent, gonorrhea.
Together, these prevention strategies form a comprehensive approach sexual health.