Learn how PrEP can help prevent HIV in St. Louis, MO. Discover how it works, who it’s for, where to get it.
In the ongoing fight against HIV, PrEP HIV Prevention is one of the most powerful tools available today. Safe, effective, and easy to use, PrEP is helping individuals across St. Louis and beyond protect themselves from HIV and take control of their health.
Whether you’re newly learning about PrEP or considering starting it yourself, this guide will walk you through what PrEP is, how it works, where to get it in St. Louis, MO.
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It’s a daily medication (or a long-acting injectable option) taken by HIV-negative individuals to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. When taken as prescribed, PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV from sexual contact by about 99%, and by at least 74% for people who inject drugs.
Currently, there are two FDA-approved oral medications for PrEP:
Truvada – Approved for all people at risk through sex or injection drug use.
Descovy – Approved for men and transgender women who have sex with men.
There’s also Apretude, an injectable form of PrEP that is administered once every two months and may be ideal for individuals who don’t want to take a daily pill.
PrEP is recommended for anyone who is HIV-negative and at increased risk of exposure to HIV. This may include:
People with a partner who is HIV-positive.
Individuals who do not consistently use condoms during sex.
Those with multiple sexual partners.
Men who have sex with men (MSM).
People who inject drugs and share needles.
Individuals recently diagnosed with other STDs.
People who exchange sex for money, housing, or other needs.
Even if you don’t fit into one of these categories, PrEP may still be worth considering if you’re sexually active and want to be proactive about HIV prevention.
Getting started with PrEP in St. Louis is easier than ever, thanks to the growing number of local clinics and community health organizations offering this service.
Many healthcare providers in St. Louis now offer PrEP as part of their regular sexual health services. These include:
St. Louis City Health Department
Offers PrEP services, HIV testing, and counseling. Sliding scale fees may be available.
Project ARK (Washington University)
Provides free or low-cost PrEP consultations, testing, and ongoing care.
Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region
Offers confidential PrEP services with a focus on accessibility and affordability.
Washington University Infectious Disease Clinic
Specializes in HIV prevention and treatment, including comprehensive PrEP care.
If you prefer to get care from home, several services allow you to consult with a provider virtually and have PrEP delivered directly to your door. These include:
Nurx
PlushCare
Mistr
HeyDoctor
These services are often discreet, quick to set up, and accept many types of insurance.
Before starting PrEP, you’ll need to:
Take an HIV test to confirm you’re HIV-negative.
Get tested for STDs and hepatitis B/C.
Discuss your medical history with a provider.
Get a prescription for PrEP if you’re a good candidate.
Once you begin taking PrEP, you’ll need follow-up appointments every 3 months to:
Re-test for HIV.
Monitor kidney function.
Refill your prescription.
If you choose the injectable version, you’ll need to visit a healthcare provider every 2 months for your shot.
PrEP is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicaid and private insurers. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may qualify for:
Gilead’s Medication Assistance Program (MAP) – Offers free PrEP to those who meet income and residency requirements.
Ready, Set, PrEP – A national program that provides PrEP at no cost to eligible individuals.
In Missouri, several local clinics can help you apply for assistance and make PrEP affordable—even if you don’t have insurance.
Your health matters—and knowing your options is the first step. If you’re interested in PrEP, don’t wait. Reach out to a local clinic or telehealth provider and start taking control of your sexual health today. And if you’re not quite ready to start PrEP, consider using an at home HIV test kit as a first step toward awareness and prevention.
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