Prep4Teens is Your Guide to HIV Prevention & Sexual Health
PrEP FAQs
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PrEP is actually a generic term that stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis.
But don’t let the technical term scare you, using sunscreen and getting your flu shot are both examples of pre-exposure prophylaxis you may already use.
In the context of HIV, PrEP refers to safe and effective prescription drugs that can be taken by people who are HIV-negative to prevent getting infected with HIV.Two different Kinds of PrEP for HIV Prevention
There are two kinds of PrEP for HIV prevention. One is oral PrEP (taking a pill) and the other is an injectable version (getting a shot). There are two types of oral PrEP and two types of injectable PrEP. Talk with your healthcare provider about which type of PrEP is best for you.
All PrEP options, when taken consistently and correctly, are up to 99% effective.
The version of PrEP that involves pill taking usually means taking one pill every day, but there are different dosing options available that involve less pill taking. Different dosing options can be discussed with your healthcare provider.
If you choose one of the injectable versions of PrEP, there are two different options to consider. One option involves shots every two months, the other involves shots every six months.
Check out our blogpost “Daily, On-Demand, or Injectable: The Many Forms of PrEP Explained” for more details. Your healthcare provider will als share more detailed info.
People choose when to start and stop PrEP based on their behaviors and needs for HIV protection. In close consultation with your healthcare provider, PrEP may be safely started, stopped, and re-started as your behaviors and needs change over time.
We highly recommend talking with your healthcare provider about any changes you want to make regarding your PrEP use. We do not advise doing PrEP on your own - a team approach is best!PrEP is more than a prescription drug.
Beyond taking pills or getting shots, PrEP is a comprehensive program that includes meeting with your provider, regular HIV/STI testing, and access to other important support services.FDA-Approved
Large clinical trials involving thousands of people from all over the world—including people of different ages, races/ethnicities, and genders—have proven that the different PrEP options are safe and effective. The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved all oral and injectable PrEP options.
Additional Info and Helpful Tips
Click here for more information on PrEP from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Click here for information on PrEP via HIV.gov.
Click here for PrEP4Teens tips on having conversations with your healthcare provider about PrEP and your sexual health.
Illinois has an HIV/AIDS hotline which you can call for answers to your questions about HIV and STIs. Call 800-243-2437.
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There is no age requirement for being prescribed PrEP for HIV prevention. However, you must weigh at least 77 lbs and be HIV-negative to be prescribed PrEP.
Both kinds of PrEP—pills and shots—have been approved for HIV-negative adults and young people who are sexually active.
In the United States, approximately 20% of newly diagnosed HIV infections are among people who are between 13- and 24-years-old. If you are having sex or injecting drugs, you may be interested in PrEP to prevent HIV.
You might choose PrEP if:
You’re HIV-negative and interested in PrEP.
You don’t always use condoms (external or internal) when you have anal or vaginal intercourse.
You don’t always ask your partner(s) to wear a condom.
You have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (like syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhea) 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.
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Any medication you take carries the possibility of side effects–PrEP is no different.
Both the pills and the shots may have some short-term side effects. All PrEP options are considered very safe. Most people don’t notice any side effects, but a small percentage of folks may experience headaches, nausea, or diarrhea when they begin taking pills or getting shots. These symptoms tend to go away quickly. For folks who choose one of the two injectable PrEP options - meaning getting shots - they may experience pain, redness, or swelling at the site of injection. There are different things to consider with each kind of injectable PrEP - your healthcare provider can discuss these with you.Your healthcare provider will conduct check-ups regularly to keep track of how you are doing, and that includes addressing side effects.
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Any healthcare provider who can prescribe medications can prescribe PrEP.
If you have a good relationship with your current provider, ask them about PrEP. Or, if you’d rather speak to someone else, you can find teen-friendly PrEP providers in Chicago that specialize in serving young people.
Click here for the PrEP4Teens list of teen-friendly PrEP providers in Chicago.
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The answer is a definite YES.
Insured AND uninsured people alike can get a PrEP prescription for FREE. You can also receive PrEP-related services like HIV and STI testing, checkups, and counseling for FREE, no matter your insurance status.
Your PrEP provider can help you navigate your coverage options. As an fyi, Illinois has a statewide program called PrEP4Illinois that provides access to PrEP pills and shots at no cost.
Parental insurance?
If you are on your parents’ insurance but you are not sure if you want them to know about your PrEP use, there are options for you to discreetly receive the care you need without tapping into your insurance. If you want to use insurance without your parents knowledge, make sure to discuss this with your provider in advance of the appointment.
Our healthcare system can be really complicated and confusing, but your healthcare provider will help you figure everything out.
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No. In Illinois, teens can be prescribed PrEP without the permission or involvement of an adult or parent. In Illinois, you must be at least 12 years old to access sexual health services without parental consent.
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Internal and external condoms (also known as male and female condoms) are great. Condoms help prevent HIV and other sexually transmited infections and unwanted pregnancy. And both kinds of condoms can be used during vaginal and anal sex.
Condoms are great choices for sexually active people, they require no prescription and are usually easy to access.
The different kinds of PrEP do not protect against STIs like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. And PrEP does not prevent pregnancy.
Find out more about condoms and where to get them for free in Chicago. All Chicago Public Schools make free condoms available.
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Let’s Talk About It!
Get the facts about sexual health, HIV prevention, PrEP, relationships, and more.
Tips for a Provider Visit
Before your Visit
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Read through the FAQs on the PrEP4Teens website, and check out our blogpost “Daily, On-Demand, or Injectable: The Many Forms of PrEP Explained” for more details. You can also c visit our Instagram to help you with the basics of PrEP. You don’t need to become an expert, but it’s good to have some background info.
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Are you interested in taking a pill on a regular basis? What about getting a shot every few months? Which option might be the best fit for your life? What questions do you have about each kind of PrEP? Jot down some notes so you can share your opinions and questions with your healthcare provider. And be sure to check out our blogpost “Daily, On-Demand, or Injectable: The Many Forms of PrEP Explained.”
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Any healthcare provider who can write a prescription can write one for PrEP. It’s important for your healthcare provider to know about what is involved when taking PrEP, including how to support all your sexual health and wellness needs.
It’s important to have a provider who is friendly, easy to talk to, and comfortable working with teens representing all races, ethnicities, gender identities and sexual orientations.
Click here to check out the PrEP4Teens list of PrEP providers in Chicago who specifically serve teens. Inclusion in the list is not an endorsement or a recommendation from the PrEP4Teens project. -
Whenever you see a healthcare provider, it is helpful to make a health history list. A list like this includes any major illness or surgery you may have had, and any current condition or concern, like ongoing allergies. It is also helpful to include current medications you may be taking. With this information, your provider is better prepared to help you with all your healthcare needs.
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If your primary language isn’t English, it may be important to check online and see if the provider you’ve chosen can communicate with you. You may also consider bringing a friend or family member along who could help translate. There are even different apps that support translation needs—and many clinics have translations, too. Call in advance to see what’s available!
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As a teen, sometimes your options may feel limited. Determining the people among your family and friends you feel comfortable discussing PrEP with is a good start to making a plan. Deciding which doctor or clinic you want to check out, and thinking about your plan for getting there, can help boost your confidence. If you’d like, you can bring a friend or family member to your appointment.
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Most insurance plans fully cover all costs related to PrEP, and so will most state Medicaid programs. PrEP costs include the prescription, doctor visits, regular HIV and STI testing, and other medical support.
If you’re comfortable asking your parents about your insurance, they can help you navigate this. Don’t want your parents to know? No problem. Your provider can help you figure out how you can access PrEP. When you set up your appointment, just be sure to let your provider know your financial considerations and concerns, such as whether you are insured, or whether you want to use your insurance.
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Once you’ve decided you’re interested in PrEP and have found a healthcare provider you think is a good fit, it’s time to make an appointment. Remember, an appointment is a chance to ask questions. And at this appointment, you may or may not choose to go on PrEP.
Your life, your body, your choice!
You may be able to call, email, or request an appointment through an online intake form. Our helpful list of PrEP providers includes contact information.
During your Visit
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Tell your provider up front about your interest in PrEP. Communicate with them about potential discomfort so they can better support you.
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To help you make the best decision possible regarding PrEP, you will talk with your provider about your sexual health and wellness. Talking about sex can feel uncomfortable for some people. Just remember that feeling is just a sign that you are a human and that sexual health is important to all of us, young and not-so-young! Anything you tell them is confidential.
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Providers have a lot of important information to share, but this is YOUR appointment, and the provider is there to serve you. It’s okay to ask any and all questions, and it’s okay to ask for something to be repeated. This is your life and you deserve to have all of your questions answered and to leave the appointment with all of the information that you need!
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It’s easy to forget information, and provider visits can go quickly. Bring a pad of paper and jot down some notes or type them into your phone.
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It can be intimidating to talk to a healthcare provider, but it’s important to keep in mind that their job is to help you make the decisions that will lead to the healthiest version of you.
After your Visit
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Read anything the doctor gave you and do your best to understand it. Read over your notes, too!
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PrEP isn’t for everyone! Your provider probably gave you some things to think about during your visit.
What are your thoughts? Do you think PrEP might be a good option for you? Or, having considered it, do you think PrEP isn’t for you? Maybe PrEP is something you want to consider at a later date?
Whatever your answers are, the good news is that you are making an informed decision.Choosing PrEP is just as important a decision as not choosing PrEP. Don’t forget you can change your mind and your HIV prevention strategy at any time!
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If there’s anything you’re still unsure of, give your provider a call! You can also check out the PrEP4Teens blog and our Instagram – you may find new insights there.
You can email questions to PrEP4Teens here. And you can call the Illinois HIV/AIDS hotline at 800-243-2437. -
If you had any tests done during your visit, don’t forget to check your results. They may take a few days to arrive but could help you in making decisions.
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If you’re still unsure about PrEP, talk with a trusted friend, family member, school counselor or healthcare provider.
There are also plenty of teens like you on our Discord server (Coming soon!) that have the same questions and concerns.
Remember, you have the right to take as long as you need when making a decision, and you have the right to change that decision – as many times as you want.
Your life, your body, your decision!
Teens have multiple choices for sexual health and HIV prevention – what are yours?
You deserve access to relevant information related to PrEP for HIV prevention, as well as clear and empowering sexual health and wellness resources beyond HIV.
PrEP4Teens supports a vision of Chicago in which teens, in all their diversity, are educated about sexual health, are empowered to take charge of their sexual health and overall well-being, and share this information and confidence within their communities through art and advocacy.
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