What is PReP?
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an FDA-approved, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended daily prevention pill for HIV-negative people who are especially vulnerable to getting HIV. Taken daily, PrEP is up to 99% effective at preventing HIV.
Many people who take PrEP report they experience peace of mind while having sex. That peace of mind brings relief from the intense fear — and stigma — of HIV that has characterized our sexual lives for far too long. PrEP users also report feeling safer in their relationships and more in control regarding their sexual health and wellness.
Watch this Great Video about PReP…
Should I Take PrEP?
You might consider PrEP if:
- You don’t always use condoms (external or internal) when you have anal or vaginal intercourse. “Always” means every time, not sometimes.
- You don’t always ask your partner(s) to wear a condom.
- You have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection in the last six months.
- You’re unsure of the HIV status of your sexual partners.
- You’re in a relationship with an HIV-positive partner who may or may not be on HIV treatment.
- You are a person who injects drugs, or you’re in a sexual relationship with an injection drug user.
- you have injected drugs in the past 6 months and have shared needles or works or been in drug treatment in the past 6 months.
- You have a partner who is HIV-positive and are considering getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about PrEP if you’re not already taking it. PrEP may be an option to help protect you and your baby from getting HIV infection while you try to get pregnant, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding
- You’re HIV-negative and interested in PrEP?
What About Condoms?
You may be drawn to PrEP because of a desire for intimacy and connection you may not feel when wearing condoms. For the prevention of HIV, PrEP taken consistently and correctly is actually more effective than condom use.
That said, PrEP protects against HIV, but it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. PrEP does not prevent pregnancy. If you have concerns about sexually transmitted infections or unintended pregnancy, the consistent and correct use of condoms (external and internal) is still a great idea.
What Drug Is Used for PReP?
The drug used for PrEP is TRUVADA. Click HERE for more information about this drug.
IL Department of Public Health Announces PrEP Website
Where can I get PrEp?
Springfield Area Prep Providers
Janet Albers, SIU Family Medicine, 217-545-8000
kim Arora, SIU Family Medicine, 217-545-8000
Priyanka Bhandari, SIU Family Medicine, 217-545-8000
Careyana Brenham, SIU Family Medicine, 217-545-8000
Jessica DeMarco SIU Family Medicine 217-545-8000
Johathan Dutt, SIU Family Medicine, 217-545-8000
Sam Fatoorehehi, SIU Family Medicine, 217-545-8000
Donald Graham, Springfield Clinic, 217-528-7541
Rebecca Green, SIU Family Medicine, 217-545-8000
Carol Harper, Springfield Clinic, 217-528-7541
Ashley Howard, SIU Family Medicine, 217-545-8000
Jason Hui, SIU Family Medicine, 217-545-8000
Benjamin Montgomery, Memorial Physician Services, – Jacksonville 217-243-0300
Gerardo Gomez Abundis, Central Counties Health Center, 217-788-2300
Gustavo Mosguera, MMC – Chatham 217-483-3487
Michael Murphy, Central Counties Health Center, 217-788-2300
Steven O’Marro, Springfield Clinic, 217-528-7541
Marilyn Robins, Springfield Clinic, 217-528-7541
Sidra Saeed, SIU Family Medicine, 217-545-8000
Julia Sames, SIU Family Medicine – Lincoln 217-735-2317
Christina Scheibler – Ventress, Memorial Physician Services – Chatham 217-483-3487
Namrata Singhi, SIU Family Medicine, 217-545-8000
Cynthia Thomas, SIU Family Medicine, 217-545-8000
Kristina Waggoner, Memorial Physician Services – Chatham 217-483-3487
Wendi Wills El-Amin, SIU Family Medicine, 217-545-8000
Dawn Young, Hillsboro Medical Center West, 217-532-6911
Planned Parenthood 217-546-1060
Planned Parenthood of Springfield offers PrEP
Additional Resources
Click here for a great video about PrEp!