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Medically reviewed by <\/em>Jeffrey Kwong, DNP, MPH, AGPCNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN<\/em><\/p>\n Around 7,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with HIV each year. But the good news is that there are two strategies, called PrEP and PEP, that can help you stay HIV negative. Both options require you to take antiretroviral drugs, which can prevent the virus from taking hold after it enters your body. <\/p>\n So how do you know if you should take PrEP or PEP?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n PrEP, which stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a pill or a shot you take before you\u2019re exposed to HIV to prevent infection. It\u2019s kind of like the birth control pill for HIV.<\/p>\n PEP, which stands for post-exposure prophylaxis, is kind of like the morning after pill. You take it after you\u2019ve been exposed to prevent infection.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Who should take PrEP?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n PrEP is for people who are negative for HIV but have a high risk of getting HIV. You\u2019re at high risk if you have vaginal or anal sex without a condom or share needles. If you have had another sexually transmitted infection (STI) within the past 6 months or have a partner who has detectable or untreated HIV, your risk goes up. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n How effective is PrEP?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n PrEP reduces the chance of getting HIV from sex by nearly 99% if taken correctly. PrEP has been shown to cut the risk of developing HIV from injection drug use by about 74%. PrEP does not protect against other STIs or pregnancy. Condoms provide protection against STIs and pregnancy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n How do I use PrEP?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n If you\u2019re trying to prevent getting HIV through sex, you have the option of taking PrEP in a daily pill or a shot every two months. If you\u2019re trying to prevent HIV from injection drug use, pills are the recommended method.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n How do I get on PrEP?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n PrEP is available by prescription only, so contact your healthcare provider (HCP) if you want to get on the medicine. Explain the reasons why you\u2019re concerned about HIV risk and don\u2019t be afraid to be honest with your HCP. You have to be HIV negative to go on PrEP.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n How long does it take for PrEP to be effective?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n Depending on the kind of exposure you’ve had, it can take anywhere from seven to 21 days for PrEP to be effective. Your HCP can give you detailed information depending on your specific situation. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Is PrEP safe?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n PrEP is safe to use, although some people may experience side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, headaches, tiredness and upset stomach. As you continue to take PrEP, side effects usually stop. For people who receive injectable PrEP, soreness at the injection site may occur.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Can women take PrEP?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n Anyone can take PrEP. However, many women may not know that they can use it.<\/p>\n Also, health inequities may mean that women of color don\u2019t receive easy access to antiretroviral drug information. Using PrEP is a personal choice. It\u2019s a good idea to tell your HCP you\u2019re interested in PrEP and want to discuss whether it makes sense for you to use it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n What is PEP?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n PEP is a medicine you take following a possible exposure to HIV. It\u2019s similar in that way to the morning after pill because it\u2019s used after the exposure. A high-risk exposure to HIV can happen through sex or sharing needles with someone who has or may have HIV. PEP can also be used by people who have experienced a sexual assault or healthcare workers who are poked by a needle. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n How do I get PEP?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n To get PEP, you should go to an emergency room or urgent care clinic to be evaluated by a HCP following possible exposure to the virus. Don\u2019t hesitate to go \u2014 the sooner you begin PEP, the more effective it will be. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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