PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) has revolutionized personal HIV protection, helping people be more proactive about their sexual wellbeing. For our patients at Spectrum Medical, we don’t view PrEP as something to be siloed into “sexual health”, but an important part of your broader primary care. Let’s break down the different options you have to benefit from PrEP and how that fits into your overall primary care plan at our Care Center: the preferred healthcare home for LGBTQ+ adults in Arizona.
How PrEP Works
A prescription medicine for people who do not have HIV, PrEP greatly lowers your chance of contracting the virus from sexual activity or injection drug use. It works by deploying a steady stream of anti-HIV drugs into your blood and tissues. This means that if HIV enters your body, PrEP will stop the virus from replicating in your immune cells and prevent an infection from forming. When taken or administered as directed, PrEP (whether through a pill or injection) reduces personal risk of getting HIV from sex by as much as 99% and at least 74% by intravenous drug use.
PrEP as Part of Primary Care
Leading research and best practices in LGBTQ+ healthcare both confirm that patients benefit when PrEP is bundled into preventative care typically discussed with a primary care provider. When we weave PrEP into conversations around STI tests, regular check-ups, and immunizations, people tend to adhere to PrEP more consistently. This means more stable coverage and better experiences for patients during each visit.
Similarly, HIV protection shouldn’t be relegated to visits that are separate from your overall health. Your sexual health, after all, is deeply intertwined with your physical, mental, and broader wellbeing. And because PrEP prescriptions require regular check-ins and negative HIV tests to continue the medication, it makes a lot of sense to incorporate this treatment into your primary care appointments. Not only will you save time and money on clinic visits, but having PrEP be part of your primary care visits allow your provider to have a fuller picture of your health. This way, they’ll be better able to offer recommendations and treatment plans personalized to your needs.
Your HIV Prevention Options
Since there are multiple forms of PrEP available to patients, our Spectrum Medical providers offer guidance on how to choose the one that best fits your life. We offer daily oral PrEP and two long-acting injectables. Whatever you choose, your primary care provider will chat with you about all the considerations to help you feel confident in your selection.
Daily PrEP
For years, daily oral medication has been the standard for PrEP, and it’s still a great option for a lot of people. The pills are highly effective, easy to take, and allow you the flexibility to start and stop with guidance from a provider. A Spectrum Medical provider can provide a thorough consultation to see if this treatment is right for you and set up the required monitoring to get you started.
Long-Acting Injections
Some patients prefer HIV prevention they don’t have to remember to take every day, or have fewer check-ins during the course of treatment. We offer two forms of long-term PrEP, administered through a shot: Apretude (every two months) and YEZTUGO (twice a year).
Like all forms of PrEP, you’ll need a negative HIV test to begin treatment and before each injection. Side effects for both Apretude and YEZTUGO are typically mild, usually limited to soreness or irritation at the injection site. If you’re currently taking oral PrEP but want to switch to injection, we can help! A Spectrum Medical provider will work with you to create a transition plan to ensure there’s no gaps in your protection.
Make Spectrum Medical Your Healthcare Home
When you become a patient at Spectrum Medical Care Center in Phoenix, HIV prevention is a natural way to step into the comprehensive primary care we designed specifically to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. As Arizona’s number one prescriber of PrEP, we use every visit as a chance to connect you with anything else you may need to be well: routine labs, sexual health education/screenings, gender affirming care, condition management, or inclusive gynecology services.
Our care model proudly reflects our commitment to ensuring your healthcare experience feels safe, validating, and easy to access. Whether you’re just starting PrEP or switching your treatment to Spectrum Medical, you can depend on our team to:
- Use your stated name and pronouns, from the front desk to exam rooms
- Understand the unique needs of LGBTQ+ patients, including men who have sex with men, non-binary people, and transgender individuals
- Thoroughly explain all the options available to you, whether discussing PrEP or any other service
- Offer flexible appointment options that fit your schedule
- Create a personalized care plan that validates your experiences and prioritizes your long-term health
When it comes to staying proactive about HIV prevention, you don’t need to pick between a sexual health clinic and a primary physical. Spectrum Medical offers both! This is key because PrEP is primary care, and primary care is where your whole health stays in focus.
You deserve a care experience that’s easier and connects all parts of your wellbeing. Tap the button below to start your journey with Spectrum Medical: a healthcare home where prevention, primary care, and peace of mind all coexist under one roof.