PrEP is a medication taken before sex or sharing needles, that is available in pill and injection form. PrEP is the most effective method of HIV prevention, with most users getting 99% protection from acquiring HIV.
PEP is a 28-day course of medication that can prevent HIV infection after a person is exposed. It should be started within 72 hours of a possible exposure to HIV, so it is important to come to the clinic quickly if you think you could have been exposed to HIV. When taken within 72 hours, PEP is highly effective against HIV acquisition.
Doxy-PEP is a sexual health tool that involves taking the antibiotic doxycycline after sex, to prevent getting an STI. It is like a morning-after pill but for STIs. Taking doxy-PEP reduces your chance of acquiring syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia by about two-thirds.
Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) means that there is no risk of HIV transmission during sex if the person living with HIV has an undetectable viral load while taking HIV medications for at least six months. Staying on HIV medications keeps you healthy and protects your partners.
A variety of vaccines are available that prevent diseases that commonly transmit through sex, including mpox, HPV, meningococcal disease, hepatitis A and B, and others.
To prevent HIV and STIs using non-medical methods, you can use condoms for anal and vaginal/front-hole sex.
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If you recently tested positive for HIV or syphilis and have questions, or need help finding HIV care, please contact LINCS. Call 628-217-6608 and leave a confidential message so we can help you get medication and answer any questions.
