Clinical care
HIV and STI Prevention, including PrEP and PEP
Individualised HIV and STI prevention advice, testing, vaccination, PEP and PrEP.
Protecting yourself starts with knowing your options. Prevention works best when it is individualised.
Depending on your circumstances, we can discuss PrEP, PEP, HIV testing, STI screening, HPV vaccination, hepatitis vaccination, safer-sex practices and partner-related prevention.
Our aim is to give you clear information without judgement, so you can make informed decisions about your sexual health.
PEP - after a possible exposure
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a short course of HIV medicines taken after a possible exposure to HIV to reduce the chance of infection.
PEP is time-sensitive and should be started as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of the exposure. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV recently, do not wait. Seek medical advice as soon as possible.
We provide:
- Confidential assessment of the exposure
- HIV and other relevant testing
- PEP when appropriate
- Guidance on the medicines and their side effects
- Follow-up testing and counselling
PrEP - before a possible exposure
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medication taken by people who may be at risk of HIV to reduce the chance of acquiring HIV.
PrEP can be an important additional layer of HIV prevention for people with an ongoing or anticipated risk. We help you understand:
- Whether PrEP may be appropriate for you
- Which PrEP option may suit your circumstances
- What testing is needed before starting
- How to take PrEP correctly
- Follow-up and ongoing monitoring
Could PrEP or PEP be relevant to you?
You may want to speak to us if you are wondering:
- Have I had sex without a condom and am I worried about HIV?
- Did a condom break or slip?
- Have I recently had a sexual exposure that I think may have put me at risk of HIV?
- Do I have a partner living with HIV and questions about my own risk?
- Do I have sex with more than one partner and want an additional way to prevent HIV?
- Do I find myself worrying about HIV after sexual encounters?
- Would I feel more comfortable having an HIV prevention option available to me?
You do not have to work out your level of risk on your own. We can help you understand your options.
PrEP is highly effective when taken correctly, but it does not protect against other STIs. We can also discuss condoms, STI screening, vaccination and other prevention measures.