For protection during anal sex, you need to take PrEP daily for 7 consecutive days before being protected. For vaginal sex, you'll need to take PrEP for 20 consecutive days before having protected sex.
If using injectable PrEP instead of pills, protection begins more quickly - about half of people are protected one day Show Full Answer
For protection during anal sex, you need to take PrEP daily for 7 consecutive days before being protected. For vaginal sex, you'll need to take PrEP for 20 consecutive days before having protected sex.
If using injectable PrEP instead of pills, protection begins more quickly - about half of people are protected one day after the first injection, and almost everyone is protected within 7 days of the first injection. For ongoing protection, it's important to:
• Take PrEP medications exactly as prescribed
• Get regular HIV testing
• Use other prevention methods like condoms for additional safety
• Stay in communication with your healthcare provider about your PrEP regimen
Remember that while PrEP is highly effective when taken correctly, it's not 100% effective. Your healthcare provider can help determine the best prevention strategy for your specific situation.
August 16, 2025