What is PrEP?
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a pill that protects you from HIV. It is a course of tablets that you take before and after sex. PrEP puts you in control. It’s 100% effective if taken correctly.
Is PrEP right for me?
PrEP is a discreet and empowering way to protect yourself from HIV.
PrEP may be suitable for you if you:
- are HIV negative
- have anal, vaginal or frontal sex in a variety of situations where condoms are not easily or always used
- want to protect yourself from HIV
I’m HIV positive, is PrEP for me?
If you are HIV positive, PrEP is not suitable for you. You need antiretroviral treatment. Speak to your GP or other health professionals supporting you for advice.
Where can I get PrEP for free in Brighton & Hove?
Staff in our sexual health clinics are experienced and welcoming. They can answer your questions and give you the advice you need before taking PrEP.
- PrEP is provided for free as part of NHS specialist services in all ‘level three’ sexual health clinics in England, Scotland and Wales
- In Brighton & Hove, you can visit Brighton & Hove Sexual Health & Contraception Service for advice and to access PrEP for free
What should I expect before starting PrEP?
You will have an HIV test and a kidney function blood test on the day you start PrEP or just before. You may need to repeat tests 4 weeks after starting PrEP.
If you have used a home HIV self-test you will still need to have an HIV test which is conducted in a lab.
You should also:
- get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- get vaccinated to protect yourself from hepatitis A and B and HPV (if eligible)
How do I take PrEP?
How you take PrEP is your choice. There are two typical ways that PrEP is taken:
- Daily PrEP: you take one pill every day
- On Demand or Event-Based Dosing (EBD): you take a set amount of PrEP pills before and after a planned sexual event
PrEP is most commonly taken as a daily pill.
Find out more
You can find out more about PrEP by visiting your local sexual health clinic.
PrEP is accessible through all of our clinics at Brighton & Hove Sexual Health & Contraception Service including Clinic M, Clinic T and our Young Persons Clinic.
If you’re new to PrEP, come and see us – you can book online or call us on 01273 523 388.
If you’re already on PrEP, it’s important to have regular STI/HIV screens (and kidney monitoring if necessary) every 3 months. Your follow-up appointments can be booked when you attend for your PrEP appointment. If you’ve missed an appointment, please book online or call us on 01273 523 388.
If our phone lines are closed, please wait until they re-open. If you have run out of PrEP and have sex – use a condom
