PrEP: HIV prevention with medication
Taking medication to protect yourself against HIV is known as PrEP. Anyone who takes PrEP according to a doctor’s recommendation is protected against HIV.
New from 1 July 2024
From 1 July 2024, HIV-PrEP will be covered by compulsory health insurance. Find out what this means for you.
What is PrEP?
PrEP (or HIV PrEP) is a way to protect yourself against HIV. PrEP is a medication in tablet form. It stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. Those who take PrEP under medical supervision are reliably protected against HIV and do not have to worry about the HIV status of their sex partners. PrEP is Safer Sex, just like a condom.
PrEP does not protect against other STIs
PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and syphilis. By the way: even condoms don’t adequately protect against other STIs. You can get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B as well as HPV. For many other STIs, regular testing is the best protection – regardless of whether or not you have symptoms.
Do I need PrEP?
Taking PrEP is only recommended for certain people. Are you a man or trans person and have sex with men? Then it’s a good idea to consider taking PrEP as a means of protection. Further information can be found at drgay.ch/prep.
How do I get PrEP?
PrEP is prescribed by a medical professional. The recommendation is for those who meet SwissPrEPared’s quality criteria.
- Before starting PrEP, a medical consultation takes place. HIV and STI tests are carried out and other values are checked.
- It’s important that you are HIV negative. Otherwise there is a risk of infecting other people and developing resistance.
- Once you have started PrEP, you will have regular check-ups to see if you have any side effects and take an STI test. So it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional regularly. PrEP is generally well tolerated, even over a longer period of time.
- The cost depends on various factors. Seek advice. A solution can be found.
How does PrEP work?
In the case of HIV infection, transmission takes place via the mucous membranes. This is where the HIV virus enters the body. There is already natural protection in the oral mucosa, so there is practically no risk of HIV during oral sex. For the mucous membranes of the penis, vagina and anal area, you must protect yourself with condoms or PrEP.
In order for PrEP to work and protect against HIV, PrEP must be started in good time. It is equally important to continue PrEP for a sufficient period of time after the last time you had sex.