HIV prevention has changed a lot in the past decade. People now have more choices and support. They also have better access to care.
“About a decade ago, we had just one drug for HIV prevention: Truvada. Now we have several options,” says Johnathan Kao, MD, MPH, assistant clinical professor at UCLA Health. Those include medications that can be taken as-needed instead of daily. It also includes new injectable medications.
HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medications include:
Daily pills:
- Truvada (TDF/FTC): Approved for all genders
- Descovy (TAF/FTC): Approved for cisgender men and transgender women
Long-acting injections:
- Apretude (cabotegravir): Taken every two months
- Yeztugo (enacapavir): Newly FDA-approved for prevention every six months
Other prevention strategies
But prevention isn’t only about daily or long-acting PrEP. For people who may already have been exposed to HIV, there’s another option.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a short course of HIV medication taken after a possible exposure. This includes in situations like:
- Unprotected sex
- Sharing needles
- A workplace injury
PEP must be started within 72 hours. It usually combines Truvada with either dolutegravir (Tivicay) or raltegravir (Isentress). The medications are taken daily for 28 days.
When started on time and taken correctly, PEP can be highly effective at preventing HIV infection. Other ways to prevent HIV include:
- Using condoms consistently
- Getting tested regularly
- Talking openly with partners about HIV
- Avoiding sharing needles
For people who already have HIV, treatment is also prevention. When they take antiretroviral medications and reach an undetectable viral load — so low it can’t be measured — they can’t give HIV to others through sex.
This approach not only prevents new infections but also helps reduce stigma. It shows that people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives while protecting their partners.
HIV prevention in communities of color
In the U.S., HIV is more common in Black and Latino communities. Unfortunately, they often face more barriers to prevention, too.
“Part of it is stigma, particularly in the minority communities where being gay is also stigmatized,” Dr. Kao says. “Being open about HIV prevention can be a little bit more difficult. And then accessing some of the care can also be difficult.”
He adds that one way that UCLA Health is addressing these community challenges is through the LGBTQ+ Champion program. This identifies providers who have training and experience in LGBTQ+ health.
“If we’re going to convince someone to take a medication every day, we are going to need access to physicians who provide that care,” Dr. Kao says. “We have a growing number of primary care physicians and specialists at UCLA Health who have done additional training in LGBTQ+ care.”
Here’s how Champions help:
- They create safer, more welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ patients.
- They receive training in inclusive language and bias reduction.
- Patients report feeling more comfortable sharing personal health details.
- Champions can create blocks of time specifically for LGBTQ+ patients. This reduces wait times for care.
Protect yourself, protect your community
HIV prevention today is about more than medicine. It’s about having real choices, trusted providers and community support. With the right tools, every person has the power to protect themselves and their partners.
“Talk with your doctor,” says Dr. Kao. “Or connect with an LGBTQ+ Champion provider to explore the options that fit your life. Take the next step in protecting yourself and your community.”
