Health and wellbeing Sexual health

HIV prevention

PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis)

By taking PEP, ideally within 24 hours of the risk and no later than 72 hours, you may be able to prevent an HIV infection. PEP is not always appropriate, and a doctor can advise if PEP is suitable for you based on the level of risk. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV by having:

  • had unprotected sex
  • had sex with someone with HIV with a detectable viral load and the condom broke
  • used or been injured with an HIV-infected needle

You can get PEP from:

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) 

PrEP is a medication to prevent someone who is HIV negative from becoming HIV positive during condomless sex. To find out more about PrEP contact the Northern Sexual Health, Contraception and HIV Service.

Condoms

Condoms are the number one way of protecting yourself from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, viral hepatitis and chlamydia. Many people use condoms alongside PrEP.

You can buy condoms and other supplies such as lube from the Freedoms shop which is run by the NHS.
 

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