PrEP 101: HIV Prevention Before Exposure
A stigma-free sexual health resource from the Orlando Sisters.
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. That is a very clinical way of saying: medicine you take before possible HIV exposure to help prevent HIV.
Think of PrEP as one more tool in the safer-sex toolkit. Not a moral statement. Not a permission slip. Not a scandal. Just science, darling.
PrEP is for people who are HIV-negative and want extra protection against HIV. When taken as prescribed, PrEP can greatly reduce the chance of getting HIV from sex. CDC states that PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed.
Who Might Consider PrEP?
PrEP may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider if you:
- Have sex with partners whose HIV status you do not know
- Have a partner living with HIV who is not undetectable or whose viral load is unknown
- Have multiple partners
- Have condomless sex
- Recently had an STI
- Use hookup apps or have anonymous partners
- Exchange sex for money, housing, drugs, or other needs
- Inject drugs or share injection equipment
- Simply want more control over your HIV prevention plan
You do not have to “prove” you are risky enough to deserve care. If HIV prevention matters to you, ask about PrEP.
PrEP Options: Pills and Injections
PrEP is not one-size-fits-all anymore. Options may include daily pills and long-acting injectable PrEP.
Daily PrEP pills are taken by mouth. For some people, a daily pill is simple and private. For others, remembering a daily medication is annoying enough to make the houseplants roll their eyes.
Injectable PrEP may be an option for people who prefer not to take a daily pill or who have trouble taking pills consistently. OIC describes PrEP options as including a daily pill or injection, and CDC clinical guidance includes injectable cabotegravir as a PrEP option.
There are also newer developments in injectable PrEP. In 2025, CDC strongly recommended lenacapavir, given every six months, for PrEP in people weighing at least 35 kg who would benefit from PrEP. Availability, insurance coverage, and local provider offerings may vary, so ask a provider what is currently available to you.
PrEP Does Not Protect Against Everything
PrEP is powerful HIV prevention, but it does not prevent other STIs like syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, HPV, or hepatitis. It also does not prevent pregnancy.
That is why PrEP often works best as part of a layered plan: PrEP, condoms or barriers when you want them, routine STI testing, vaccines, communication, and knowing what to do after a possible exposure.
What Testing Is Needed?
Before starting PrEP, you need HIV testing to confirm that you do not already have HIV. CDC clinical guidance says HIV testing is required before prescribing PrEP, and that required testing can differ depending on recent PrEP or PEP use.
A provider may also order:
- Kidney function testing, depending on the PrEP option
- Hepatitis B testing
- STI testing
- Pregnancy testing, if relevant
- Follow-up HIV and STI testing on a regular schedule
This is not meant to create hoops for the sake of hoops. It helps make sure PrEP is safe, appropriate, and working as intended.
How Long Until PrEP Works?
Timing depends on the type of PrEP and the kind of exposure. CDC says oral PrEP pills reach maximum protection for receptive anal sex after about 7 days of daily use, and for receptive vaginal sex and injection drug use after about 21 days of daily use. CDC also notes that data are not available for how long PrEP pills take to reach maximum protection for insertive anal or vaginal sex, and that it is not known how long PrEP shots take to reach maximum protection during sex.
Translation from the Sisters’ pulpit: ask your provider when your PrEP protection begins based on your body, your sex life, and your PrEP option.
Where to Find PrEP in Orlando
If you are in Central Florida, several Orlando Sisters Sacred Spaces may be helpful starting points.
26Health lists PrEP and PEP services as part of its sexual health services and notes that PrEP and PEP may be covered through insurance.
Hope & Help lists prevention services that include access to PrEP and nPEP, along with patient assistance, Ryan White case management, syringe services, and a condom program.
OIC offers PrEP, PEP, and DoxyPEP prevention services and describes PrEP as a preventive medication for people at risk of HIV.
The Center Orlando may be a useful community entry point for HIV testing and referrals. Its testing page lists walk-in HIV, Hep C, and STI testing services, including HIV and Hep C testing at $0.
Services, costs, hours, eligibility, and medication availability can change, so check directly with the organization before visiting.
A Sisterly Blessing
PrEP is not about fear. It is about freedom with follow-through.
It lets many people enjoy sex with less anxiety and more control over their health. Whether you use PrEP, condoms, both, neither, or another strategy entirely, the goal is informed choice without shame.
Ask questions. Know your options. Protect your joy.