16 April 2021

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis – It’s a HIV prevention medication in the form of a pill which can be given to someone who does not have HIV to prevent the risk of catching HIV. Most commonly, PrEP is taken once every day. 

CNWL Sexual Health are offering PrEP free on the NHS. After taking part in the PrEP Impact Trial, which ran for many years, it was concluded people who take PrEP correctly and consistently reduce their risk of getting HIV by between 92 and 99 per cent.

PrEP can be taken by anyone who doesn't have HIV but are at a high risk of contracting the virus. CNWL is therefore offering PrEP to the following at risk groups of people:

  • Men who have sex with men and trans women who have had condomless anal sex in the last six months
  • People whose partner is HIV positive and is having condomless sex, unless their partner has been on HIV treatment for six months and their viral load is less than 200
  • Anyone who was registered on the Impact PrEP trial with another service.

Studies have shown PrEp is safe for most people. Additionally, people who have taken PrEP report a lot less anxiety around sex and an increased quality of their sex life because they don't have to worry as much about getting HIV.

Dr Arthur Wong, CNWL's Specialty Registrar, explains more in the video below:

Below are some further links to useful videos about PrEP created by Women and Prep:

If you identify as one of the at risk categories, please call CNWL on 020 3317 5252 for an appointment. For more information, visit our dedicated sexual health website.

If none of the above apply to you but you are concerned about your HIV risk you can still call the clinic to  book an appointment to discuss your options. Information and guides on PrEP are available from i-base.