HIV weakens the immune system, causing vulnerability to bacteria, viruses, and a host of other disease-causing agents, which leaves the body less effective at fighting off infections.

HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids, which can include: blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid (more commonly known as precum), rectal fluid, and breast milk. HIV is typically transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, or through IV drug use.

The Center’s medical team can help you navigate a variety of options in the event of a potential exposure, including treatment and a prescription for PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). PEP is the practice of starting a month-long course of anti-HIV medications within 72 hours of possible exposure to the virus to prevent permanent infection. The medication keeps HIV from making copies of itself and spreading through your body.

To be effective, PEP needs to be started as soon as possible, preferably within 36 hours and no later than 72 hours after exposure to HIV. PEP consists of two to three antiretroviral medications that are prescribed by a medical provider. The provider will determine what treatment is right for you based on how you were exposed to HIV.

PEP is safe but may cause side effects like nausea in some people. These side effects can be treated and are not life threatening. PEP is not 100% effective; it does not guarantee that someone exposed to HIV will not become infected with HIV. If you’re eligible, the Center’s doctors can provide PEP to you at a low cost via our pharmacy.

Our experts say every three months to be safe! Your personal treatment plan may vary, so talk to your provider—and be honest about your sexual and substance practices! We’re here to help, not judge. The Center provides testing at the locations listed below this FAQ.

Well, the best way is to limit your potential exposure to the virus—which means wearing condoms or limiting your number of sexual partners. If those don’t sound like practical alternatives for you, your provider may recommend PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a way to prevent HIV infection by taking the pill Truvada every day. When combined with condoms and other prevention methods, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at high risk by up to 92%. The CDC recommends taking Truvada every day. If you don’t, there may not be enough medicine in your bloodstream to block the virus. People taking PrEP should also see their health care provider every 3 months for regular monitoring of their HIV status and potential side effects of the medicine. You should talk to your provider about your eligibility and any other questions you may have about the medication. If you do not have a provider, or if your medical provider does not feel comfortable helping you make this decision and prescribing PrEP, you’re welcome to get your medical care from the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

We said it before, and we’ll say it again: With the right treatment plan and compliance with care, many people with HIV go on to live long, happy, fulfilled lives! Our movement has worked tirelessly over the decades to make this a possibility. If you’re struggling with your diagnosis, the Center offers support groups and mental health resources to help you. Our medical team can also provide you with a personal treatment plan and guide you through navigating insurance, prescriptions, and so forth. Just call us to get started.

The word “undetectable” is used to describe the lowest limit of the lab tests used to measure the HIV viral load. If you’re positive and your viral load remains below 200 copies/mL, your risk of sexually transmitting HIV is negligible. U=U, therefore, means “undetectable equals untransmittable”—a person who has an undetectable viral load has a “negligible” risk of transmitting HIV to a partner who’s HIV-negative. This phrase has become more widespread in recent years, after research and clinical trials were conducted to establish its accuracy.