HIV Prevention: Understanding the Options

It only takes one exposure to be infected with HIV.

Many people are at risk for HIV infection through sex-related exposures, including a broken or slipped condom and/or condomless anal/vaginal/front hole sex with a partner whose HIV status is unknown or is HIV+ with a detectable viral load. 

Many people are also at risk for HIV infection if they ever share injection drug equipment. 

​Fortunately, there are medications available that significantly reduce the chances of being infected after an exposure to HIV. 
​These options include PrEP, PEP, and PIP. 
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Talk to your healthcare provider about which option is right for you.

PEP
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

​PEP is a 28-day course of medication that is taken AFTER a possible exposure to HIV.  PEP significantly reduces the chance of HIV infection if it is started within 72-hours of a possible exposure. The sooner someone starts taking PEP, the better.

People usually get PEP by going to a hospital emergency department or  a sexual assault centre so they can start taking the medication as soon as possible.  

PEP is best suited for emergency situations, as it can be difficult to access in a timely manner.

​Individuals who may have regular or even occasional exposures to HIV are strongly encouraged to speak with an HIV prevention specialist and consider either PrEP or PIP as part an HIV prevention strategy.

PEP is suitable for people of all genders.


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​PIP
PEP-IN-POCKET

PIP is a prescription for PEP that is given BEFORE a possible  exposure to HIV. PIP can be given to people who have infrequent exposures to HIV so that if they ever need it, they can start taking PEP medication without having to go to an emergency department.
 
PIP may be a good alternative to PrEP for people who only have a few possible exposures per year or who don’t want to take daily medication. 

This may include those who:

• Almost always use condoms, but sometimes don’t or can’t
• Have had a condom slip or break 
• Have stopped using PrEP and want a back up plan
• Use 2-1-1 PrEP and want a back up plan for unexpected exposures
• Sometimes share injection drug equipment 
• Have difficulty accessing PEP in emergency situations

​PrEP
Pre-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS

PrEP is a medication that is available in 3 formats:

• Injectable PrEP
• Daily PrEP
• On Demand or 2-1-1 PrEP

Injectable PrEP is available to people of all genders and requires an injection every 2 months.

Daily PrEP is available to people of all genders and involves taking one pill everyday.

On Demand or 2-1-1 PrEP is only available to cis men and trans women. It involves taking two pills 2-24 hours before sex, one pill 24 hours after the first dose, and one pill 24 hours after the second dose.

​PrEP is best suited to people who have a partner who is living with HIV, have condomless sex with multiple partners, and/or share injection drug equipment.

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​Many people switch between using PrEP and PIP based on evolving needs.