A new trial has launched in England for HIV-preventing drugs.

Should you be taking them? Where are they available? Here’s what you need to know.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified medical professional if you have questions about your health.

What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for ‘Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis’.

In simple terms, it means taking a drug before you come into contact with HIV (Pre-Exposure), in order to build up your body’s defences against it.

Research has shown that PrEP treatments can be very effective at lowering the risk of becoming infected with HIV through sexual activity.

Following extensive research, the World Health Organisation recommended PrEP for ‘at-risk’ groups, who are statistically likely to face exposure to HIV, due to the prevalence of HIV among certain demographics.

These groups include men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender women, and people in Serodiscordant relationships (where one person has HIV and the other does not).

Can PrEP replace a condom?

No.

If you have sex without a condom PrEP will drastically lower your chances of getting HIV, but it will not protect you from any other sexually transmitted infection, such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia.