Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that reduces the risk of contracting HIV. It’s for HIV negative people who are more at risk of contracting the virus. 

PrEP comes as a course of tablets that can be taken every day to cover unplanned sexual activity or taken before or after sex - this is called event-based dosing. It’s available free from NHS sexual health clinics.

The best way to prevent HIV infection during sex is to use condoms consistently and correctly.

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Written by Helen Burkitt. Senior Sexual Health and Contraception Nurse
Last updated at: 24 August 2023