PrEP for Trans Women

Trans Women Clapping     Couple on Bed     Pill Holder     Trans Woman on Runway

HIV is more preventable than ever. You may already know about HIV prevention options such as male and female condoms, screening and treating sexually transmitted infections, and regular HIV testing—but let's talk about a few more: PrEP, PEP, and U=U

➔ PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a pill to help keep you HIV-negative. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective. PrEP is safe and generally well tolerated. Most insurance plans (public and private) cover PrEP.

PrEP works for trans people, women, men, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, youth, and people who inject drugs.

➔ PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is a combination of medications you can take AFTER a possible exposure to HIV if you are not on PrEP or have missed taking it as prescribed. PEP is most effective the sooner it’s started, and must be started within 72 hours of the exposure. PEP is taken daily for 28 days.  

➔ Undetectable is when a person living with HIV takes medications to keep the virus at very low levels (called undetectable). Many large clinical studies show that people who take their HIV medicines as prescribed and maintain an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of passing HIV through sex. This concept is also known as U=U, short for “undetectable = untransmittable.”

You can support your partner in staying undetectable by helping them take their HIV medications and access medical care.

You can use these HIV-prevention strategies alone or in combination to reduce your risk of getting HIV and take charge of your sexual health!

It is safe to take hormones while using PrEP or PEP. Many people use the medicine Truvada as PrEP, PEP, or as treatment for HIV, and Truvada does not reduce hormone levels.

However, hormones like estradiol can reduce Truvada levels some, therefore, it's important to take as close to every dose as possible.

Truvada should be used as daily PrEP until more data are collected.

Are you a person who:

  • Worries about your HIV risk and wants to take control of your sexual health?

  • Has condomless sex with a partner of unknown HIV status?

  • Recently had gonorrhea or syphilis?

  • Has a sex partner(s) who is living with HIV, or you don’t know their HIV status?

  • Exchanges sex for money, food, housing and/or drugs?

  • Injects drugs?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, click the chat bubble on the right to speak with us about your PrEP options!

These resources can help you understand PrEP and whether it’s right for you:

Search our PrEP provider directory by zip code to find a PrEP provider near you. 

Also, check out UCSF's Directory of Transgender Health Centers.

Online PrEP providers are also available.

A trained navigator can help you decide which option is right for you. Use the search function on our site to find a provider who also offers navigation assistance. Or, chat with us and let us help!

Looking for local and regional PrEP info and tools for providers, navigators, and consumers? Check out our PleasePrEPMe.org State Resources pages to find PrEP resources for your state.

Tools for remembering to take a daily pill: 

Do you know of any other helpful resources? Contact us.

Got more questions? Click the chat bubble on the right to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members about your PrEP options, or leave a message!

In collaboration withAltaMed Logo & Center of Excellence for Transgender Health Logo

Clickto learn more about AltaMed.

Clickto learn more about the Center of Excellence for Transgender Health.