PrEP and PEP: Protecting Partners

If you're living with HIV, you may want to know about ways your HIV-negative partner can further protect themselves. Two important tools are PrEP and PEP, medications that reduce the risk of getting HIV, used in different situations.

What Is PrEP?

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It's a medication that an HIV-negative person takes on an ongoing basis, before any potential exposure to HIV, to greatly reduce their risk of infection.

PrEP works by keeping a steady level of protective medication in the body, so that if the person is exposed to HIV, the virus has a much harder time establishing an infection. It's highly effective when taken consistently as prescribed.

Your partner might consider PrEP if:

• Your viral load hasn't yet been confirmed as undetectable

• They want an extra layer of protection alongside U=U and condoms

• They have other partners in addition to you

A healthcare provider can talk through whether PrEP is a good fit, how it's taken, and what monitoring is involved.

What Is PEP?

PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. Unlike PrEP, which is taken ongoing before exposure, PEP is an emergency medication course started after a possible exposure to HIV, for example, if a condom breaks or another higher-risk situation occurs.

PEP needs to be started as soon as possible after a possible exposure, and it's only effective within a limited window of time. If your partner thinks they may have been exposed to HIV, they should contact a healthcare provider, urgent care, or emergency room right away to ask about PEP. The sooner it's started, the more effective it is.

PrEP and PEP Are Not the Same as Your Treatment

It's worth understanding the distinction:

• Your antiretroviral therapy (ART) treats your own HIV and, when your viral load is undetectable, prevents you from transmitting HIV to others.

• PrEP is taken by an HIV-negative partner to lower their personal risk before any exposure.

• PEP is taken by an HIV-negative partner after a specific possible exposure, as an emergency measure.

These tools work well together. A couple might use U=U, PrEP, and condoms all at once for layered protection and peace of mind.

Encouraging a Partner to Learn More

If your partner is interested in PrEP, encourage them to speak with their own healthcare provider or a sexual health clinic. They'll typically discuss:

• Whether PrEP is a good fit for their situation

• How to take it correctly

• What follow-up testing and monitoring looks like

The same applies to PEP. If your partner thinks they need it, timing matters, so encourage them not to wait to seek care.

Key Takeaways

• PrEP is an ongoing medication HIV-negative people take before potential exposure to reduce their risk of getting HIV.

• PEP is an emergency medication course started soon after a possible exposure. Timing is critical.

• These tools complement, but don't replace, your own treatment and an undetectable viral load.

• Encourage partners to talk with their own healthcare provider about whether PrEP or PEP is right for them.