PrEP Initiation March 2025

Introducing PrEP: Your Path to HIV Prevention

What is PrEP?

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective medication that can significantly reduce your risk of contracting HIV. When taken as prescribed, PrEP can lower your risk by over 90%.

Our PrEP Initiation Offers:

• Comprehensive HIV Screening: Before starting PrEP, we conduct a full spectrum sexual health assessment, including:
  • HIV testing
  • Hepatitis B and C screening
  • Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhoea)
  • Renal function (kidney and liver function tests – which will have ongoing oversight and support from The Northern Clinic, to maintain your renal health during PrEP course)
    
• PrEP Consultation & Prescription:
  • Our experienced team will discuss your individual risk factors and answer all your questions about PrEP.
  • We’ll determine if PrEP is right for you and provide a personalised prescription, and if you’re suitable you will get your medication straight away.
  • We’ll discuss how to regulate taking your medication and potential side effects.
    
• Ongoing Support & Monitoring:
  • Your repeat prescriptions will be handled through the Northern where you can book and appointment through your personal health record here: https://mft.myphr.online/
  • We offer ongoing support to ensure you’re successfully using PrEP.
  • Regular follow-ups appointments are available for:
    • STI retesting
    • Addressing any concerns you may have

Who is PrEP for?

PrEP can be taken by anyone of any gender or sexuality and PrEP may be an option for you if:

• You are not living with HIV
• You are sexually active
• You are at risk of HIV exposure (e.g., inconsistent condom use, multiple sexual partners)

What if I need PEP?

PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis) is a strong combination of HIV medicines that can help stop you from getting HIV after potentially being exposed to it. It is an emergency medication that can be accessed from A&E or by phoning your local sexual health clinic.

Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a 28-day course of medication, and you need to start taking it within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It will be more effective the quicker you take it, with some guidelines recommending that you start within 24 or 48 hours.

I don’t need PrEP, can I just get a sexual health test?

Yes! Just come along and ask to be tested or book on with our sexual health team on our regular clinic days of Wednesdays 4pm-8pm, Fridays 4pm-8pm or Saturdays 11am-3pm. Book here: https://lgbt.foundation/help/talk-openly-take-control-test-regularly/

How can I get free condoms and lube?

You can order free condoms and lube discretely posted to your home, these can be ordered here: https://lgbt.foundation/help/free-condoms-and-lube-at-your-doorstep/
You can also access our free Safer Sex Packs from venues around Manchester’s Gay Village.