How much time before sex take PrEP?

We recommend you take PrEp at least one to three weeks before engaging in any high-risk sexual activity (depending on the nature of the activity).

If you are the receptive to an MSM activity, taking PrEP one week before the activity is enough for optimal protection. Research shows that blood anal levels of PrEP peak around 1 week.

If you are active in an MSM activity or in a heterosexual activity, taking PrEP three weeks before the activity should be enough for optimal protection. There is no research on penile protection following PrEP, thus, in this case, we recommend 3 weeks.

If you are a female in heterosexual sex, taking PrEP three weeks before the activity should be enough for optimal protection. Research shows that blood vaginal levels of PrEP peak around 3 weeks.