HIV prevention increasingly combines several approaches rather than relying on one method. Pre exposure prophylaxis, commonly called PrEP, uses antiretroviral medicine before potential HIV exposure to reduce the chance of infection. The CDC describes PrEP as an option for people without HIV who may be exposed through sex or injection drug use.

PrEP is part of a broader prevention strategy that can also include condoms, HIV testing, STI testing, and other appropriate measures. WHO currently recognizes several PrEP choices, including oral tenofovir based PrEP, the dapivirine vaginal ring, long acting injectable cabotegravir, and long acting injectable lenacapavir.

Important points to understand include:

• Oral PrEP: A medicine taken according to a prescribed schedule. Consistent use is important for maintaining protection.
• Injectable PrEP: Long acting options can reduce the need for frequent daily medication. Cabotegravir is one established injectable option.
• Lenacapavir: WHO recommended long acting injectable lenacapavir as an additional PrEP choice in 2025, administered twice yearly.
• Testing: HIV testing is an important part of starting and continuing PrEP safely.
• Combination prevention: PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, so additional prevention measures may still be useful.

Exploring PrEP Choices and Prevention Considerations

Choosing a PrEP approach involves considering individual circumstances, preferences, access, dosing schedules, and medical guidance. Some people may prefer a daily oral option because it fits easily into an established routine, while others may prefer long acting injections because they do not require daily tablets.

WHO notes that offering different PrEP choices can help people select an approach that better suits their preferences and circumstances.

Factors worth discussing with a qualified healthcare professional include:

• Lifestyle and routine: Consider whether taking medication regularly or attending appointments for injections is easier to maintain.
• Potential side effects: Different medicines can have different safety considerations, making professional guidance important.
• HIV testing requirements: Appropriate testing helps confirm HIV status before and during PrEP use.
• Other medications: Existing medicines and health considerations may influence which PrEP option is appropriate.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: People who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should discuss suitable HIV prevention options with a healthcare professional.
• Access and availability: PrEP choices and national recommendations can vary between countries and healthcare systems.
• Ongoing prevention: Condoms and STI testing may remain valuable because PrEP specifically targets HIV rather than every sexually transmitted infection.

Overall, understanding the growing range of PrEP choices makes HIV prevention more flexible and personalized. Oral and long acting approaches provide different ways to incorporate prevention into everyday life, while regular testing and appropriate healthcare guidance remain important. Current WHO guidance emphasizes expanding prevention choices so people can select methods that are acceptable, effective, and practical for their circumstances.