Wellness Bar by Legacy is committed to providing you with every available tool to help protect your sexual health and wellness—including PrEP for HIV prevention! Read along to learn more.
What is PrEP?
PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a medication regimen, either daily oral or bimonthly injectable, that may protect you from contracting HIV, reducing your risk of infection by 99% when taken as prescribed.
Who should take PrEP?
PrEP may be a good option for anyone who wants to protect themselves from HIV, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or lifestyle. Those who are at higher risk of HIV exposure include:
- Men who have sex with men
- Transgender individuals
- People with HIV-positive partners
- Individuals who engage in unprotected sex
- People who inject drugs
- Sex workers
- Anyone with a recent history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
What are the benefits of PrEP?
- Highly effective: Clinical trials have shown that PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by up to 99% when taken consistently.
- Peace of mind: PrEP gives you the confidence to enjoy sex without the constant worry of HIV.
- Empowerment: Taking control of your sexual health with PrEP allows you to make informed decisions about your relationships and activities.
- Freedom of choice: PrEP is now available as a daily oral pill, or as a bimonthly injectable medication. Depending on your lifestyle, you have the freedom to choose your form of protection!
- Protection against other STIs: While PrEP does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections, it encourages regular testing and promotes safer sexual practices, reducing the overall risk of STIs.
nPEP to Prevent HIV Infection after Potential Exposure
nPEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is a medical intervention designed to prevent HIV infection after exposure to the virus. Prophylaxis for HIV is only available with a prescription.
PEP is strongly recommended for anyone who has had unprotected receptive vaginal or anal intercourse or who has shared an IV needle with an HIV-infected partner or with a partner whose HIV status is unknown. PEP is rarely recommended for the insertive (“top”) partner or for oral sex. PEP is usually taken twice a day for 28 days, and includes laboratory tests and follow-up visits at 2 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks post-exposure. The use of condoms is recommended until the final follow-up visit (six months post-exposure). PEP is not guaranteed to work and you could put your partner(s) at risk of contracting HIV. PEP is not a substitute for safer sex.
nPEP is recommended if the person has had a possible exposure within the past 72 hours.
For more information on PEP, call (713) 814 3730.
