HIV PrEP is a great way to protect yourself from HIV, but not everyone needs it.
When to consider PrEP
You should consider starting PrEP if:
- You are a gay or bisexual man who has anal sex without , whether you are top, bottom or versatile
- You are a man or trans woman who has anal or vaginal/front hole sex with men
- You have recently had syphilis, or a sexually transmitted infection in your bottom
- You’ve been given more than once in the last year
- You have a sexual partner with who is not on treatment or who has a viral load
When you may not need PrEP
Not all gay and bi men or trans people need PrEP. If you are not having anal sex at the moment, then you’re not at risk of catching HIV.
If your only partner is HIV positive, taking treatment with an viral load then they are no longer infectious to others. You do not need PrEP because their treatment protects you from HIV. PrEP would not add any extra benefit.
If you are already using condoms all of the time for anal (or vaginal/front hole) sex, then PrEP is not needed because condoms offer excellent protection against HIV as well as other STIs. As a back-up plan, in case of a condom accident then you can always attend for (emergency medicine to prevent HIV) as soon as possible within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
Finally, if you are in a relationship with someone and neither of you is having sex with anyone else, once you have both tested negative for HIV then you don’t need PrEP.
Still not sure?
If you are still not sure whether you need PrEP, then please do come and speak to us about it, or read more on our page.
