HIV prevention is more effective than ever, and our Greenspoint Health Center in Houston is committed to providing access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) for individuals at risk of exposure. Whether you need ongoing protection with PrEP or emergency intervention with PEP, our team offers confidential, nonjudgmental care to help you take charge of your health.

Get Help Obtaining Emergency PEP or Beginning PrEP in Houston

Both PrEP and PEP reduce the risk of contracting HIV, but they are used in different situations:

• PrEP is a daily medication taken before possible exposure to HIV. It provides ongoing protection and is recommended for individuals at higher risk of contracting the virus.
• PEP is an emergency treatment taken after potential HIV exposure. It must be started within 72 hours and continued for 28 days to be effective.

If you suspect you have been exposed to HIV, you should visit our health center as soon as possible to be tested. Individuals who test negative after potential HIV exposure should begin PEP as soon as possible. Although 72 hours is the latest point at which PEP should begin, starting sooner increases the likelihood of preventing HIV.

Our Greenspoint Health Center doctors can discuss your situation and help you make an informed decision.

How PrEP Works

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is designed for people who are at risk of HIV and want proactive protection against the virus. It significantly reduces the risk of infection when taken consistently. PrEP is recommended for:

• Individuals with an HIV-positive partner
• People who have multiple sexual partners or engage in condomless sex
• Those who share needles or other injection drug equipment
• Individuals who have had an STI diagnosis in the past six months

PrEP does not protect against other STIs like gonorrhea or syphilis, so regular STI testing is still recommended.

PrEP Services Available in Houston

Greenspoint Health Center in Houston provides:

• Risk assessments to determine if PrEP is right for you
• Prescriptions and medication management
• Routine follow-ups to monitor effectiveness and side effects
• Sliding-scale pricing for uninsured patients

PEP: Emergency HIV Prevention After Exposure

If you may have been exposed to HIV, starting PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) as soon as possible, ideally within hours, is essential. PEP must be started no more than 72 hours after exposure to be effective and requires a 28-day medication regimen. PEP may be recommended if you:

• Had unprotected sex with someone whose HIV status is unknown
• Experienced a condom failure
• Were sexually assaulted
• Shared needles or other drug paraphernalia
• Experienced occupational exposure (such as a needle stick injury for healthcare workers)

PEP Services at Our Houston Health Center

• Urgent appointments, including walk-in visits during clinic hours, for PEP access
• Same-day consultations during clinic hours
• Full 28-day prescription and adherence support
• Follow-up HIV testing and counseling

What to Expect When Starting PrEP or PEP

1. Consultation: One of our doctors will assess your needs, medical history and risk level.
2. Testing: You’ll undergo an HIV test before starting PrEP or PEP. Additional STI screenings may be recommended.
3. Prescription: If PrEP or PEP is right for you, our providers will prescribe the appropriate medication.
4. Follow-Up Care: PrEP users will need routine check-ins, and PEP users will be scheduled for follow-up HIV testing after completing treatment.

Insurance and Cost Assistance

Many insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover PrEP and PEP. If you are uninsured, our sliding-scale pricing and patient assistance programs help make medication affordable.

Why Get PrEP or PEP in Houston?

Houston continues to see a high number of new HIV cases, particularly among young adults and marginalized communities. Increasing access to preventative medications like PrEP and PEP is essential for reducing HIV transmission. If you’re unsure about your risk level or need more information, our providers are here to help.

STI Testing and Prevention Services

It’s important for at-risk individuals to understand the limitations of PrEP. This preventative treatment only protects users from HIV. Regular STI screenings are an important part of sexual health. Our Houston health center provides:

• Testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV and more
• Treatment for bacterial STIs
• Preventative services like HPV and hepatitis B vaccinations
• Sexual health education and counseling

Why Choose Our Houston Health Center?

• Confidential and compassionate care
• Financial assistance for PrEP and PEP
• Comprehensive STI testing and treatment
• Experienced providers specializing in HIV prevention

Start PrEP or PEP in Houston Today

If you’re looking for ongoing HIV prevention with PrEP or need urgent PEP treatment, our Greenspoint Health Center in Houston is here to help. Walk-in appointments for HIV and STI testing are available during clinic hours. You can also call us at (832) 300-8040 to schedule an appointment or request more information about HIV prevention and treatment services.