In Autumn 2023, LSMP and Leeds Sexual Health (LSH) are piloting a joint initiative to ensure young gay and bisexual men new to Leeds have ready access to HIV PrEP ( Pre Exposure Prophylaxis) in their new city,
If you have been invited by text message, you can also access screening & vaccinations via these limited offer bespoke clinics at LSMP.
You can book directly online via NHSapp, ‘Patient Access’ platform or ring LSMP reception on 01132954488 between 4-6pm Monday to Friday. There are limited dates each week initially so get in touch now!
These clinics are run in conjunction with Leeds Sexual Health Service (LSH), from the LSMP premises. You will be registered on the Leeds Sexual Health Service system for HIV PrEP and any screening or vaccinations you decide to take up .For men having sex with men, the recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A and HPV (human papilloma virus). These records are held separately from your GP records and are confidential. Please be reminded that LSMP itself also offers sexual health advice, testing and treatments.
You will meet the LSH staff at this pop up clinic, and get to know where you can access your future PrEP supply, either at LSH clinics or via their joint clinics at Yorkshire MESMAC.
If you think you are at higher HIV risk but don’t receive this offer directly, please contact LSH via their website or Yorkshire Mesmac who also run joint Prep clinics with LSH
Leeds – Yorkshire MESMAC work with people most at risk of HIV, including Black African communities, gay and bisexual men, Trans+ people, and people from wider BAME communities.
PrEP is a pill that can protect you from HIV:
What is PrEP?
PrEP is a medication that can lower the chances of getting HIV when taken as prescribed.
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis:
Pre = Before
Exposure = Coming into contact with
Prophylaxis = Prevention
So PrEP is a medication that is taken before you come into contact with HIV to prevent getting HIV, the virus that may lead to AIDS.
Important information
How does it work and is it safe?
Here’s how PrEP works: When taken as prescribed, PrEP creates a barrier in the body that can stop HIV from replicating and taking hold.
The drugs used in PrEP include some of the same ones used to treat people who have HIV and are very safe to use.
PrEP is safe when taking HRT for the menopause. PrEP is safe to use with all hormonal contraception (ring, patch, the pill or an implant).
PrEP is effective for all genders and it is safe when taking gender-affirming hormones.
How do I take it?
PrEP can be taken in two different ways:
Daily: most people who use PrEP take a pill every day
Event Based: Cis men who know ahead of when they are going to have sex can take two tablets 2-24 hours before sex, then one tablet 24 hours later, and a further tablet 24 hours after that. If having sex for more than one day in a row, then a tablet must be taken every 24 hours until there have been two days without having had sex.
Cis women and trans people are advised to take PrEP daily
Where can I get it?
PrEP is available free on from the NHS, regardless of your immigration status. You will need to contact your local Sexual Health Clinic (check our service finder) these services are confidential.
If you’re at risk of getting HIV, such as having a partner who is HIV-positive who is not on medication, or having condom free sex with someone from a community where HIV is more common, PrEP may be a good option for you. It’s important to remember that PrEP is not a one-time pill. You need to take it every day or as prescribed for it to be effective. Taking PrEP consistently and correctly is key to its success in preventing HIV.
Before starting PrEP, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider who can guide you through the process. They will assess your risk factors, run tests to make sure you don’t already have HIV, and discuss any possible side effects or interactions with other medications you may be taking.
PrEP Pregnancy and nursing
PrEP does not stop you getting pregnant, if you get pregnant tell your doctor. If you are still at risk of HIV, continuing PrEP until you have spoken to your doctor.
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take PrEP daily if you are breastfeeding. PrEP passes into breast milk in very small amounts and it is unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby.
PrEP and Sexually Transmitted Infections
While PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So, it’s important to continue using condoms or other barrier methods to reduce the risk of STIs, if you can.
PrEP is a tool that empowers more of us to take control of our sexual health, can protect us from HIV and enjoy a healthier, safer sex life.