HIV & STD Prevention

People under the influence of drugs are more likely to engage in risky sex (sex without condoms or with multiple partners) leading to an increased risk for HIV. You can reduce your HIV risk through medication, including:

PrEP

• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) - for people without HIV who have risk factors, including injecting drugs
  • Reduces risk of getting HIV from sex by ~88%
  • Reduces risk of getting HIV from injection drug use by >74%

PEP

• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) - an HIV medicine you can take after a possible exposure to prevent HIV
  • Not meant for regular use - PEP is intended for emergency situations.
  • Must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV. The sooner, the better.

DoxyPEP

• Helps to prevent syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea
• A “morning-after” pill for STIs
• Effective for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender women

In general, frequent HIV testing and early treatment is recommended to reduce HIV risk, and there is minimal risk of transmission if HIV treated and viral load is undetectable.