PEP

PEP – also known as HIV post-exposure prophylaxis – is an emergency medicine you take after possible HIV exposure e.g.

• if you have condom-less (unprotected) vaginal or anal sex with someone from an area where HIV is more common
• if a sexual partner is  living with HIV and is not taking effective treatment

To be effective, it needs to be taken as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours and  no later than 72 hours (3 days) after exposure.

PEP should only be used in emergency situations and should not be used as a substitute for safe sex or PrEP.

PEP might be suitable if you are HIV-negative, or don’t know your HIV status and:

• If you are a man who has sex with men and have had a condom accident/condom-less anal sex with someone of unknown HIV status
• If you have a condom accident/condomless vaginal or anal sex with someone from an area where HIV is more common
• if a sexual partner is  living with HIV and is not taking effective treatment
• Shared needles/works to prepare drugs

If you think you require PEP, please contact your nearest sexual health clinic or A&E department (out of hours) as soon as possible. Your need for PEP will be assessed by an experienced clinician.

PEP is not always 100% effective, you should continue to use condoms and/or safe injecting practices whilst taking PEP.

You can find your nearest sexual health clinic using our find a service tool or search via the NHS website.

When used correctly, condoms are an extremely effective way of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

They are widely available:

• Buy them online, in pharmacies, or supermarkets.
• Get them free from sexual health clinics.
• If you’re under 25, you can order FREE condoms (including internal ones) through the Doink condom scheme.
• If you’re a man who has sex with men, sign up for Condoms Direct from The Eddystone Trust – free condoms and lube posted to you 4 times a year.