Does it work?

Yes.

No one has acquired HIV when using PrEP every day.  It's incredibly effective, well tolerated and safe to use.  There are about 25,000 people worldwide who have been using it for years.  In the literally millions of wet and wild sexy sessions, there have been zero verified transmission of the HIV virus.  That includes condom-less sex with people who are HIV positive.  If you've been good at taking it every day then it's working 7 days a week, 24 hrs. Even when you're drunk or off your face, even in the heat of the moment your protection is always on and you are in control.

 

Can I stop using condoms?

The short answer is yes.  Once PrEP has built up in your body it is more effective than a condom for all your sexy adventures. PrEP only works against HIV.  For all other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) we recommend 3 monthly testing.  PrEP will not prevent pregnancy.  You can still use condoms if you are anxious or would like a little bit more protection from STIs.  It's completely your decision about your body.

 

How does it work?

There are two chemicals in the PrEP pill.  They stop the virus from being able to insert itself into your cells and multiply.  Even if it gets past your skin and inside your body it just dies out.   It takes 7 days for PrEP to build up enough protection for most types of sex including anal and head jobs but 21 days for vaginal sex.

 

If HIV can't get into your cells you can't become infected.

 

Are there side effects?

About 9 out of 10 people don't get side effects.  "Well tolerated" means you won't have any unpleasant effects from the pill but you will become protected.   For roughly 1 out of 10 people there might be some very mild queasy or dizzy feelings.  This usually lasts a few days. On rare occasions you might get about 2-3 weeks of not feeling your best.  Your doctor is the best person to speak to if you are worried about side effects.  Even in cases where they have the "start up" side effects, the PrEP users report it was well worth it in the end.  The sense of relief and growing sense of safety are surprisingly powerful.  For about 1 in 200 people it can cause temporary changes in your kidneys' efficiency but returns to normal after a short break.  Your doctor will test you for that.  The vast majority of people can return to taking PrEP without any problems.