Up-to-date, reliable HIV and sexual-health knowledge.
Doxy-PEP means taking the antibiotic doxycycline after condomless sex to reduce the chance of acquiring bacterial sexually transmitted infections. The evidence is clearest for syphilis and chlamydia; results for gonorrhoea are inconsistent. And the point that matters most: Doxy-PEP offers no protection against HIV
PEP is taken after a possible exposure and must begin within 72 hours; PrEP is taken in advance to prevent infection before exposure happens. They are not interchangeable. This guide explains when to move from PEP to PrEP, what testing comes first, and how to avoid leaving an unprotected gap in between.
PEP, or emergency antiretroviral medicine, is highly effective at reducing the risk of HIV when started quickly within 72 hours after a risk and taken for the full 28 days as advised. The sooner you start, the better. This guide explains how well PEP works, factors that make it effective, why you must start quickly, and what to do after completing it.
PrEP needs to be taken consistently for a period before it builds up to a level that protects against HIV. The exact time depends on the regimen and how it's taken, so consult a doctor. This guide explains why PrEP takes time, what to do early on, how important consistency is, and how to stop PrEP.
PrEP and condoms are HIV prevention methods with different strengths. PrEP is a medicine taken in advance that prevents HIV only, while condoms prevent HIV, other STIs, and pregnancy. This guide explains the differences, each one's pros and cons, and why using both gives the best protection.
PEP is an emergency antiretroviral that must start within 72 hours of a risk and be taken continuously for 28 days. This guide explains how to take PEP, when to start, when in the day, its side effects and how to handle them, what to do if you miss a dose, and why completing it matters, plus monitoring and precautions.
Condoms are highly effective at preventing HIV when used correctly and consistently, but not 100%, because they can break, slip, or be used incorrectly. This guide explains how effective condoms are, how they work, why there's sometimes still risk, how to use them correctly, and combination prevention.
Taking PrEP effectively requires consistency, because consistency is the key to protection. This guide explains how to take PrEP, when, how many days before it protects, what to do if you miss a dose, plus monitoring and precautions, so you can use PrEP with confidence.
PrEP and PEP are HIV prevention medicines many people confuse. The main difference: PrEP is taken in advance for people with ongoing risk, while PEP is emergency medicine taken after a risk within 72 hours. This guide explains the differences, how to choose, effectiveness, side effects, and access in Thailand in detail.
