PEP = Post Exposure Prophylaxis

These are tablets (the same as those taken to treat HIV) that you can take after sex to reduce the risk of catching HIV if you have had vaginal or anal sex with someone who you think is high risk of having HIV. You need to take these tablets for 28 days and start to take them as soon as possible after sex.

The longer the delay, the less chance it will work. You have to start them within 72 hours of sex and ideally within a few hours

To decide if you need PEP you will need to discuss your risk with a healthcare professional

If you're not sure but think you may have been at risk it's always better to discuss it.

You can get PEP at any sexual health clinic but if you think you need it outside of clinic opening times, don't wait, you can also access it at accident and emergency departments.

Before you start PEP you will need some blood tests performed to make sure you don't already have HIV, as well as ones to check your liver and kidney function and Hepatitis B status, we will also advise having sexual health screening for other STI's including Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Syphilis.

You will requite repeat blood test for HIV at 4 weeks after finishing the tablets.

More information on PEP can be found by clicking here