Highly effective HIV prevention methods
Overview
Besides HIV treatment that can help prevent passing HIV, there are several other highly effective ways to prevent HIV transmission. For the best protection, these HIV prevention methods need to be used consistently and correctly.
Condoms can be used during sex to help prevent HIV, other STIs and pregnancy. There are external condoms (which are worn over the penis) and internal or insertive condoms (which are inserted into the vagina or anus). People may need support to access free condoms, learn how to use them properly and negotiate their use.
Using new needles and other injecting equipment (e.g., cookers and filters) for every injection prevents transmission of HIV and other infections such as hepatitis B and C. People may need support to access free drug use equipment and dispose of used equipment and to learn how to inject as safely as possible.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that an HIV-negative person can take on an ongoing basis to help prevent HIV. For most people, PrEP is a daily pill. Besides taking medication, taking PrEP involves seeing a doctor or nurse every three months for HIV testing, screening for STIs and other infections, monitoring for possible side effects and ongoing support. People may benefit from education about PrEP and from help to decide if it might be right for them. Those who wish to take PrEP may need support to access a healthcare provider who can prescribe PrEP, figure out how to pay for the medication, adhere to PrEP as prescribed and attend regular medical visits.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) consists of medications that an HIV-negative person can take after they might have been exposed to HIV. For example, someone might use PEP after a condom breaks during sex. It needs to be started as soon as possible and within 72 hours of a potential exposure. PEP is taken every day for 28 days. Service providers should work to educate clients about PEP and let them know where in the community they can access it. People may need support to determine if PEP is right for them. They may also need help to find a healthcare provider who can prescribe PEP, figure out how to pay for the medication, take PEP as prescribed and deal with any side effects.
In addition to these highly effective strategies, there are other risk reduction tools that people can use to reduce their chance of getting HIV. Examples include choosing activities with a lower risk of passing HIV and other STIs, such as having oral sex rather than vaginal or anal sex, and choosing to take drugs in a way that carries a lower risk of passing HIV and other infections, such as smoking rather than injecting.
To learn more about these highly effective HIV prevention methods, check out:
Condoms for the prevention of HIV transmission – This fact sheet includes research about how well condoms prevent HIV, along with recommendations for service providers to encourage condom use and support people to use them correctly.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) – This fact sheet covers the research about PrEP, with recommendations for service providers to support people who are taking PrEP or considering taking it.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) – This fact sheet includes research about PEP, as well as recommendations for educating and supporting people who may benefit from taking it.
Seven Ways to Prevent HIV – This client resource goes through the most effective ways to prevent HIV and discusses some issues for people to consider in deciding what strategy (or combination of strategies) will work best for them.
Sharp Shooters – This booklet discusses the basics of safer injection and the prevention of hepatitis C, HIV and other infections. It also provides information on how to prevent or respond to an overdose.
Other helpful resources:
Preventing the sexual transmission of HIV – This self-directed course provides in-depth information about the highly effective ways to prevent HIV.
Harm Reduction Fundamentals: A toolkit for service providers – This toolkit provides foundational information on harm reduction for service providers working with people who use drugs. It includes four units that can be accessed individually or completed together.
Seven Ways to Prevent HIV – This short video goes through seven of the most effective ways to prevent HIV. It includes PrEP, PEP, HIV treatment, condoms, types of sex with a lower risk of HIV, using new drug use equipment and using drugs in ways with a lower risk of HIV.
Safer Sex Guide – This booklet for clients provides comprehensive information about ways to make sex safer. It looks at risks for different types of sex and gives readers tools to prevent passing or getting STIs.
Internal condoms and lube for safer sex – This small resource provides basic information on condom use, including a diagram of how to insert (and remove) an internal condom and the benefits of condom use. The resource can be inserted into safer sex packages or stand alone as a discreet resource.
External condoms and lube for safer sex – This small resource provides basic information on condom use, including a diagram of how to put on an external condom and the benefits of condom use. The resource can be inserted into safer sex packages or stand alone as a discreet resource.
How does PrEP prevent HIV? – This short video includes basic information about PrEP and an explanation of how PrEP works to prevent HIV from replicating in the body.
PrEP to Prevent HIV: Your Questions Answered – This client brochure answers commonly asked questions about PrEP and contains key messages on access, effectiveness and monitoring, including information for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding (chestfeeding) and trans people.
8 Questions about PrEP for Guys – This client brochure provides basic information about PrEP for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.
Is PrEP Right for Me? – This pocket card can help clients assess their risk for HIV and decide whether they should talk to a healthcare provider about getting PrEP.
PEP: Preventing HIV after a potential exposure – This video offers information about PEP as an HIV prevention strategy that can help prevent HIV after a potential exposure. It covers key messages on when to take PEP, how to take it correctly and how to access it.
PEP: Preventing HIV after a potential exposure – This client brochure answers commonly asked questions about PEP and contains key messages on when and how to take it, and how to access it.