HIV prevention – PrEP (Pre Exposure Prophylaxis)

PrEP (Pre Exposure Prophylaxis) is medication used before sex to reduce the risk of getting HIV. It does not protect against pregnancy or other sexually transmitted infections.

Whether to use PrEP or not will depend on your personal circumstances, which may change overtime.

Read more about PrEP here:

If you are unaware of your partner’s HIV status and it is sometimes difficult to use condoms then PrEP may make sex safer.

PrEP can be used by individuals of all genders and sexualities if it will be useful to reduce their HIV risk.
PrEP is not needed if:

• your partner does not have HIV – ask them about their most recent STI test
• you are always able to use condoms if you don’t know your partner’s status
• your partner has HIV and takes regular HIV treatment and has an undetectable viral load. Read more about Undetectable = Untransmittable.

PrEP does not reduce the risk of contracting other sexually transmitted infections and does not prevent pregnancy.

Read more about PrEP here:

PrEP can be used daily (daily dosing) or just around the times you think you may have sex (event based dosing / holiday PrEP). For more information about how to take PrEP please visit the following website:

PrEP is now provided free on the NHS from sexual health clinics if your circumstances make it the best choice for you.

PrEP can also be legally bought online.

However you get PrEP you should have some tests before / when you start PrEP:

• HIV blood test – to check you do not already have HIV as PrEP medication does not help to treat HIV only to prevent it
• Kidney function blood test – to check PrEP medication is safe for you to use.
• STI tests – as part of your routine sexual health care to ensure you have no other infections that should be treated

If you continue taking PrEP these tests should be repeated at regular intervals – please confirm with your provider.

To discuss whether PrEP is right for you please contact your current / nearest service – find your nearest service here:

• London SXT: Sexual health information in under a minute 
• Getting it on

Please contact your current / nearest service – find your nearest service here:

• London SXT: Sexual health information in under a minute 
• Getting it on

If The Wolverton is your nearest service and you would like to transfer to The Wolverton to receive your PrEP then please contact us.

If you are already receiving PrEP from The Wolverton please ensure you have completed an online home STI test and received your results before contacting us.