1 February 2022

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis and is a medicine people at risk of HIV can take to prevent them from getting HIV. When taken correctly, PrEP is highly effective. It’s available on the NHS and from CNWL’s sexual health services. 

But there are still a lot of people who don’t know what PrEP is, who it’s for, or where to access it. This HIV Testing Week, (7 to 13 February) we want to raise as much awareness as possible in the community. The more people know about PrEP, the more they can educate those who will benefit. CNWL’s PrEP Programme Manager, Dominic Reilly tells us more.

What is PrEP?

PrEP is a medication available on the NHS which, taken correctly, is extremely effective at protecting you from contracting HIV. It has been an enormous success so far and if we it to more people it could end the HIV epidemic for good.

By taking PrEP in the correct way, you make sure that if your body comes into contact with HIV, it’s able to stop the virus from becoming established in your body. 

Who is PrEP for? 

PrEP can be taken by anyone who doesn't have HIV but are at a high risk of contracting the virus. It may also be a good choice for you if your sexual partners have a higher likelihood of being HIV positive. This can include:

  • Men who have sex with men and trans women who have had condomless anal sex.
  • People whose partner is HIV positive and is having condomless sex. 
  • Black African people - certain parts of the world have higher rates of HIV such as sub-Saharan Africa and therefore people from there are more likely to be affected.

If you would like to know more about whether PrEP is right for you, you can find more information on the i-base website. You can ask about PrEP at any sexual health appointment at a CNWL clinic.

If PrEP isn’t relevant to you, spread the word anyway - it might help someone you know.

How do I get PrEP?

If you are interested in discussing whether PrEP is right for you, call us on 020 3317 5252 and book an appointment to start PrEP. If you’re already on PrEP you can book follow-up appointments yourself on our Sexual Health website. You can also discuss PrEP with a health advisor, nurse, or doctor at any sexual health appointment you attend at one of our clinics.

PrEP is available from the following CNWL clinics in London:

  • Mortimer Market Centre
  • Archway Centre
  • Edgware Community Hospital 

If you live in Surrey and would like to start PrEP or need a repeat prescription, call us for an appointment on 01483 675389, Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm

How do I take PrEP?

People can take PrEP and integrate it into their sex lives in different ways:

  1. Most people take PrEP daily. This is one pill taken each day with water, which provides you with excellent protection against acquiring HIV.
  2. If you are a man taking PrEP for anal sex, and you know in advance when you are going to have sex, you also have a second option of doing ‘event-based’ or ‘on demand’ PrEP. This allows you to take PrEP within certain time parameters before and after you have sex. This method of taking PrEP is not suitable for women as it doesn’t provide adequate protection for vaginal sex. If choosing this method of taking PrEP it’s really important you understand how to do it correctly – this handy guide has more information. 
  3. Some people take PrEP because it gives them the freedom to choose whether to use condoms with some partners and not others (for instance in a long-term relationship). While PrEP is effective at protecting against HIV, it doesn’t protect against other STIs, so we recommend you always wear a condom when having sex especially with different partners.