PrEP and PEP

PrEP - Protect Yourself from HIV

PrEP is a pill you can take to protect yourself from HIV. It’s extremely effective when taken correctly – and if you're on PrEP, you don’t need to worry about your partner’s HIV status. You’re taking control of your own sexual health.

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and is the term used for HIV medication taken before sex to reduce the risk of HIV infection. This is now provided on the NHS free of charge.

Please get in touch with SHiP if you want to take PrEP, or are already taking it. SHiP can help you decide if PrEP is right for you, and offer you the necessary 3-monthly monitoring tests, free of charge.

PrEP is not the same as PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) which is HIV medication that can be taken within 72 hours after sex to prevent becoming infected with HIV infection.

Want to learn more? Check out these helpful sites:
👉 www.aidsmap.com/topic/prep
👉 www.iwantprepnow.co.uk

PEP

If you think you have taken a risk PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a 28-day course of anti-HIV tablets taken after sex that could stop you – or someone you’ve had sex with – from getting infected with HIV (for example when a condom has not been used or if it breaks).

To have the best chance of PEP being effective you need to start taking the medication as soon as possible after the possible exposure to HIV – within 24 hours is best, but no later than 72 hours (3 days). After 72 hours, PEP is unlikely to work.

If you think you need to start PEP, please get in touch in the following ways.

PEP is not the same as PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), which is HIV medication taken before sex to prevent HIV infection.

PEP is not a substitute for wearing a condom.

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