How do I speak to my doctor or other health care provider about PrEP?
Before Your Visit Make an appointment: with your health care provider. Your doctor can help you to decide if PrEP would be a good choice for you. Do research: Make a list of reasons that you think that PrEP would be a good choice for you. Think about: your routine, especially things that might make it easy or hard to take a daily medication. Make a health history list for your doctor: That includes any past illnesses or concerns you have, as well as a list of your current medications (including supplements, herbs, etc.). Make sure a translator is available: or bring someone who can translate if you would prefer to speak a language other than English during your appointment. During Your Visit Be clear: Take out your notes and tell your doctor that you are interested in PrEP right away. Do not be shy: Give your doctor all the details about your life that could be important to your health. Don’t worry about being judged. If your sex life is a hard topic to talk about, say that to your doctor. It will help to start the conversation. Ask questions: You want to be sure that you understand what your doctor is telling you. Take notes: during your visit so that you can remember what your doctor said. After Your Visit Review your notes: or any information provided by your doctor. Consider your options: Your doctor gave you a lot of information. Now it is up to you to make the right decision for you. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/risk/behavior/index.html Call your doctor: if you have more questions. Ask to speak to a nurse if your doctor is unavailable. Schedule tests: or follow-up appointments your doctor requested. Get your results if you had tests done at your appointment. If you feel comfortable: you may want to discuss this choice with your partners, family, or friends.
Resources For Your Provider:
Preexposure Prophylaxis for the Prevention of HIV Infection - 2014: A PHS Clinical Practice Guideline http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/guidelines/ PrEPguidelines2014.pdf
Preexposure Prophylaxis for the Prevention of HIV Infection - 2014: Clinical Providers’ Supplement http://www.cdc.gov/hivpdf//guidelines/ PrEPProviderSupplement2014.pdf
Gilead Sciences PrEP Website: contains information about the drug, its use for PrEP, and information about the Medication Assistance Program. https://start.truvada.com