What if there was a pill that could significantly lower your risk of getting HIV? Well, there is.

It’s called PrEP, short for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.

When taken correctly, it can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by 99%. If you inject drugs, studies show it can reduce your risk of HIV by almost 75%

PrEP works by stopping the HIV virus from entering the blood cells, thereby preventing infection. Pretty powerful, right?

It does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy, so condoms are still advised.

Is PrEP right for you?

Great question.

PrEP is for anyone who is HIV negative and wants to take control of their HIV risk, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or relationship status

PrEP might be a good choice for you if:

• you do not always use condoms
• you or your partner have sex with other people
• you’re unaware of your partner’s HIV status
• you have a partner who is living with HIV and not on effective treatment
• you have had a recent sexually transmitted infection
• you do sex work
• you inject drugs or have sex with people who inject drugs
• you or your partners use drugs during sex (chemsex)
• you or your partner have sex abroad, or were born in a country with a higher rate of HIV
• you simply want extra peace of mind when it comes to your sexual health

If you are under 18, PrEP is still available for you, chat to your doctor or nurse at a sexual health clinic.

And here’s the best part: PrEP is free regardless of your immigration status.

The first step is talking to Leeds Sexual Health or signing up online.

They will help you decide if PrEP is right for you, test you for HIV and other infections, offer you contraception or catch-up smears, and monitor your health while you are on it.

Empower yourself today, think PrEP.