Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
Hear this word Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
Also known as: PEP
Image description: Keeping track of days of taking PEP medication
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What Is It?
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis or PEP is an emergency medication that people who do not have HIV may take if they were possibly exposed to HIV during sex, sexual assault (such as rape), or sharing needles. PEP can protect people who do not have HIV from getting HIV.
An Example
When Dylan had sex with a new person last night, the condom broke. The next day, Dylan asked a health care provider to give them a prescription for PEP to decrease the possibility of getting HIV.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- PEP requires a prescription, so visit a health care provider immediately after unprotected sex if you think you might have been exposed to HIV.
- To learn more about PEP check out this PEP video from Planned Parenthood.
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What did you learn about PEP?
To learn more, explore websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or visit other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like our online game, Our Stories, Our Journeys: A Sexual Health Game!
What questions do you have?
Write down or record an audio note with any questions you have to ask someone you trust. You may also find answers to your questions by using websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub.