How often should I test for STIs or HIV and what to do when I stop PrEP?
Before starting PrEP you should have a sexual health screen to check you do not have any sexually transmitted infections.
This involves:
- A blood test for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis
- A blood test to check your kidneys are working well
- Tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, which may involve a urine sample or swabs of your vagina, penis, anus (bottom) and throat, depending upon which body parts you have, and what types of sex you have.
You may be offered vaccinations at your appointment, including hepatitis B.
You should continue to have sexual health screens every 3 months while you are having sex and using PrEP.
If you want to stop PrEP, please discuss this with your doctor or nurse at Leeds Sexual Health. You (and any people you are having sex with) should have a sexual health screen 3 months after stopping PrEP.
Sexual health screens are free in the UK, and easy to access. Go to Leeds Sexual Health to find the easiest way to screen for you.
If you want to restart PrEP, you should have a negative HIV test before restarting – sign up for a PrEP appointment via our website, or call Leeds Sexual Health.
