Are you PrEPped?

Why is PrEP right for me as a transgender person?

You might be more likely to get HIV. This could happen during anal sex. Also if you’re taking hormones, or if you’ve had an operation on your vagina or penis, the skin there could be more delicate and easily cut, increasing the chance of getting HIV.

Sharing needles for hormone injections also increases the chance of HIV.

Is PrEP as effective for trans people and non-binary people?

Yes, PrEP is effective for transgender women, transgender men and non-binary people. Many trans people use PrEP to stop them from getting HIV.

How does it work if I take hormones?

Yes, research shows that PrEP is just as effective if you’re taking hormones. So you can use PrEP if you’re on hormone therapy:

• The hormones will still be effective if you take PrEP
• PrEP will still be effective if you’re taking hormones

If you want to know about how this works, these studies can tell you more about interactions between PrEP and hormones:

• Pharmacology and drug interactions with HIV PrEP in transgender persons receiving gender affirming hormone therapy
• Drug-drug interactions between gender-affirming hormone therapy and antiretrovirals for treatment/prevention of HIV

What is the best way to use PrEP as a trans person?

You can take PrEP in 2 different ways:

• Every day
• Before and after sex

If you’re a trans woman or trans person who has receptive vaginal or neovaginal sex, it’s best to take PrEP every day. This is known to be effective in preventing HIV. Not enough research has been done into the use of PrEP among these groups of people only before and after sex. That’s why it isn’t clear whether taking PrEP in this way is just as effective for them as daily use.

If you’re not sure what would be best for you, talk to your doctor or someone at the GGD health centre. That will help you make the right decision.

The website mantotman.nl gives more information about how to take PrEP. This site is for men who have sex with men. But you’ll also find information about how trans women can use PrEP.
 

Read more about PrEP on Mantotman.nl

Can I use PrEP if I have vaginal sex?

Yes, you can. If you have a vagina and have receptive vaginal sex, then this is how to take PrEP:

• take the pills every day
• start doing that at least 6 days before you have sex

Then you’ll make sure you can’t get HIV.

What happens if I use PrEP and have sex without a condom?

If you take PrEP correctly, then you can’t get HIV. Even if you have sex without a condom.

You can still get other STIs. For example chlamydia, gonorrhoea or syphilis. A condom can prevent that.

Does PrEP have side effects?

There are not usually any serious side effects. In the first few weeks that you take PrEP, you might experience:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Diarrhoea

These usually go away by themselves. Serious side effects are very rare. If a side effect is causing you problems, then it’s best to speak to your doctor.

Where can I get PrEP?

You can get PrEP through your doctor or a GGD health centre.

If you can’t get PrEP from your own doctor, ask them to refer you to someone else. Or go to your nearest GGD.

You need a prescription from your doctor or the GGD to get PrEP from a pharmacy.
 

Find a GGD health centre (Dutch info)

What does PrEP cost? 

PrEP usually costs between €25 and €35 per month. Prices vary at different pharmacies. You usually have to pay for the pills yourself. Some GGDs do not charge for PrEP care, and sometimes cover the cost of the pills too. You can find out about this from a GGD near you.

You don’t have to get the PrEP pills from your own pharmacy. Which pharmacy you go to is up to you.

On PrEPnu.nl you can read about how much PrEP costs at different pharmacies in a number of big cities. There are also links to reliable online pharmacies where you can order PrEP. 
 

See prices and pharmacies for PrEP

Do I have medical supervision if I use PrEP?

Yes, you will see your own doctor or someone at the GGD.

During those check-ups

• they will tell you how to take PrEP
• you’ll be tested for HIV and other STIs
• they’ll do blood tests to monitor your health
• you can ask questions about side effects, sex or anything else you worried about

PrEP is for everyone who could get HIV. It doesn’t matter who you are. You have a right to healthcare where you feel accepted and respected. That also means: healthcare professionals who know all about hormone therapy and will listen respectfully to how you experience things.

Do you want to talk to someone about PrEP and your particular situation? Then make an appointment at a GGD health centre. Or talk to a doctor who knows a lot about transgender care (Dutch info).
 

Make an appointment at the GGD (Dutch webpage)

* Supported by a donation from the Xandi Buys Fund, Soa Aids Nederland was able to develop this campaign.