HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. ‘Immunodeficiency’ refers to the weakening of the immune system by the virus. If it’s not treated, it can weaken and damage your body’s defence system (the immune system) so that it can’t fight off infections. Read more about HIV on our STIs page.
HIV Prevention
The following measures can help prevent HIV transmission during vaginal and/or anal sex.
- Testing regularly for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Wearing condoms when having sex, as they are one of the best ways to prevent HIV and many other STIs. For anal sex, use water-based or silicone-based lube to reduce the risk of the condom tearing.
- Becoming undetectable through treatment, if you have HIV.
- Taking PEPSE after sexual exposure to HIV (more information below).
- Using HIV prevention medicines such as PrEP (more information below).
PEPSE
What is PEPSE?
PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis, and is a combination of HIV drugs that can stop the HIV virus taking hold. It can be used after the event if you’ve been at risk of HIV transmission. As a sexual health service, we only provide post-exposure prophylaxis following sexual exposure, also known as PEPSE.
To work, PEPSE must be taken within 72 hours (three days) of the possible HIV exposure, and ideally should be taken within 24 hours.
PEPSE is an emergency measure to be used as a last resort. It is not guaranteed to work and taking PEPSE will not protect you from other sexually transmitted infections.
Where can I get PEPSE?
PEPSE is free from sexual health clinics, as well as at the Emergency Department in hospitals.
The clinician you see may ask you questions about the type of sex you had, sexual partners and, if your partner is HIV positive, their viral load, to determine the need for PEP.
(If you are looking for PEP following a needlestick injury, or because of an incident not involving sex, go to your local hospital Emergency Department).
PrEP
What is PrEP?
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a tablet taken by HIV-negative people before and after sex that reduces the risk of getting HIV. PrEP is now available free on the NHS in England from sexual health services.
You may benefit from taking PrEP if:
- You are a HIV-negative man having condomless sex with men, and other people who have sex within these networks
- You have a partner (or ex-partner) with HIV
- Your partner (or ex-partner) comes from a country with high rates of HIV
- You have condomless sex with a partner(s) and do not know their HIV status
- You are a trans or non-binary person and are regularly having condomless sex
- You exchange sex for money, drugs, shelter or another reason
- You are injecting drugs
- You think you may be at risk of HIV because of your sexual behaviour
Accessing PrEP
For an appointment to discuss accessing PrEP, please call us on 0300 124 0102.
Existing PrEP Users
If you are an existing PrEP user, to replenish your supplies there are various options.
- For a face-to-face appointment (where you can obtain your screening and PrEP supply) – please look online for bookable appointments or attend our walk in clinics
- For a telephone call (where you have a telephone consultation and attend to collect your PREP) – please contact us on 0300 124 0102 to make an appointment. (Please ensure you have had an HIV test result in the last 3 months with the service or SH24 if you opt for a telephone call)
We recommend that you plan to arrange your appointment when you open your last box of PrEP.
If you have run out of PrEP and are unable to obtain an appointment or the sexual health service is closed, then a single dose per day is available from Leicester Royal Infirmary’s Emergency Department. On arrival, please explain to the Assessment Nurse that you have run out of PrEP and need a single dose to tide you over. These assessments are usually handled at the initial triage stage on arrival at the Emergency Department.
You will then need to contact Leicester Sexual Health on the next working today to make an appointment for a new supply.
More information on PrEP
Websites such as Prepster and I Want PrEP Now offer some great information, advice and resources on PrEP.
Useful links