Resources
Everything you need to stay informed, confident, and in control of your health.
Explore expert-backed content designed to make prevention simple, accessible, and easy to understand—on your terms.
Video Library
Watch. Learn. Feel empowered.
Explore a curated collection of videos that break down prevention options, answer common questions, and guide you through what to expect. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to go deeper, our media library makes complex topics simple and approachable.
What is PrEP?
Daily Oral PrEP
On Demand Oral PrEP (2-1-1)
What is Truvada™?
What is Descovy™?
Long-Acting Injectable PrEP
What is Apretude™?
PEP
What is PEP?
Doxy PEP
What is Doxy PEP?
Medication Coverage
Your Prevention, Your Choice
Helpful Resources
Trusted information, support tools, and prevention resources. All in one place.
Explore expert-backed organizations and educational guides to learn more about HIV prevention, sexual health, testing, and accessing care.
Safer Sex
PrEP Information
PEP Information
Doxycycline Information
Indigenous-specific HIV Resource
Accessing PrEP
Free STI/HIV Testing
FAQs
Straight answers, no confusion.
Get clear, reliable answers to the questions people ask most about HIV prevention, medications, safety, and next steps. No jargon—just practical information you can trust.
GENERAL HIV & PREVENTION
What is HIV?
HIV is a virus that affects the immune system. With today’s treatments and prevention options, people can live long, healthy lives and prevent transmission. HIV is a health condition, not a moral issue, and there is no shame in learning about it or protecting yourself.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV can be transmitted through fluids such as blood, semen (including pre-cum), rectal fluid, vaginal fluids, and breast or chest milk.
Activities that can transmit HIV include:
- Sexual contact
- Sharing injection equipment (e.g., needles, syringes, etc.)
- Pregnancy, labour and delivery, and breast or chest feeding
- Occupational exposures (e.g., needlestick injuries)
- Blood exposure (rare in Canada due to screening)
HIV is not spread through hugging, kissing, sharing food, toilets, or everyday contact.
Can HIV be cured?
There is currently no cure for HIV, but treatment is incredibly effective. People living with HIV who take treatment as prescribed can achieve an undetectable viral load, live long, healthy lives, and do not transmit HIV through sex. This is known as Undetectable equals Untransmittable (U=U).
What does “undetectable” mean?
Undetectable means the amount of HIV in a person’s blood is so low that standard tests cannot find it. When a person remains undetectable through consistent treatment, they cannot transmit HIV.
Does HIV only affect certain communities?
No. HIV can affect anyone. Some communities face higher risk because of systemic barriers to healthcare, stigma, or access. That is why education, testing, and prevention access matter.
Why is prevention still important if treatment is so good?
Because prevention gives people more choices, more control, and more confidence. It helps reduce new infections, supports community health, and gives individuals peace of mind.
Doxycycline
What is Doxycycline?
Doxycycline is an antibiotic that may reduce the risk of some bacterial sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and syphilis.
Does Doxycycline prevent HIV?
No. Doxycycline does not prevent HIV. It should be used alongside other HIV prevention tools like PrEP or condoms.
How is Doxycycline used for prevention?
Some people take a dose within 72 hours after sex. This is often called Doxy PEP. Your provider will help determine if this is appropriate for you.
Is Doxycycline safe?
Doxycycline is generally safe when prescribed properly. Some people experience mild stomach upset or sun sensitivity.
Injectable PrEP
What is Injectable PrEP?
This is a long-acting injectable medication that protects against HIV without needing to take a daily pill.
How effective is it?
It is more than 99 percent effective at preventing HIV through sex when received as prescribed. This form of PrEP has not been studied in people who share injection equipment.
How often do I get the injection?
You get two starter injections one month apart, then one injection every two months.
Does it hurt?
It may cause brief discomfort at the injection site, but most people find it very manageable.
Community & Care
Is this space judgement free?
Yes. Always. This platform is built on respect, care, and inclusion. You are welcome here exactly as you are.
What if I am Indigenous, Two Spirit, or Indigiqueer?
This platform was created with cultural safety and representation in mind. You deserve health education that respects your identity, your community, and your lived experience.
Can I share these resources with others?
Please do. Knowledge is meant to be shared, and this platform exists to support communities, not gatekeep information.
PrEP
What is PrEP?
PrEP is medication taken by people who do not have HIV to help prevent HIV infection. It can help protect against HIV from sex and may also reduce risk for some people who share injection equipment.
PrEP may be taken daily, on demand, or as a long-acting injection depending on the medication and individual circumstances.
Do I need testing while taking PrEP?
Yes. Regular HIV testing and routine lab work are recommended while taking PrEP. Your healthcare provider can help determine the appropriate follow-up schedule.
How effective is PrEP?
When taken correctly, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99 percent. For people who share injection equipment, it reduces risk by about 74 percent.
Is PrEP safe?
Yes. PrEP is considered very safe for most people. Some experience mild side effects when they first start, but these usually go away. A healthcare provider will monitor your health while you are on it.
Who should consider PrEP?
Anyone who wants extra protection from HIV. That includes people in relationships, people with multiple partners, people who share injection equipment, and anyone who wants more control over their sexual health.
Do I still need condoms if I use PrEP?
PrEP protects against HIV, but not other sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are still recommended to reduce STI risk and add another layer of protection.
Do I need PrEP if I already live with HIV?
No. PrEP is designed for people who do not have HIV. If you are living with HIV, treatment can help you stay healthy and prevent transmission to others. A healthcare provider can help determine which medications are right for you.
PEP
What is PEP?
PEP is a 28-day medication taken after a possible HIV exposure, including through sex, sharing injection equipment, or certain occupational exposures.
How soon do I need to start PEP?
PEP should be started as soon as possible after a potential exposure, ideally within 24 hours, and no later than 72 hours.
How long do I take PEP?
You take PEP once a day for 28 days.
Is PEP safe?
Yes. Most people tolerate PEP well. Some experience mild side effects that go away after treatment ends.
Will I be judged for asking for PEP?
No. Asking for PEP is responsible, proactive, and health-focused. If someone ever makes you feel judged for seeking care, that is not okay.
Do I need PEP if I already live with HIV?
No. PEP is designed for people who do not have HIV. If you are living with HIV, treatment can help you stay healthy and prevent transmission to others. A healthcare provider can help determine which medications are right for you.
Testing & Access
How often should I get tested?
That depends on your level of sexual activity and risk. Many people test every three to six months. Your provider can help you decide what is right for you.
Is testing confidential?
Yes. HIV and STI testing is confidential, and your privacy is protected.
What if I don’t have a doctor?
You can still access sexual health services through sexual health clinics, community health centres, nurse practitioners, pharmacists (where available), and other community programs, even if you do not have a regular doctor.
Is this information Canada-specific?
Yes. This site is built using Canadian public health guidelines and resources, including CATIE and MyHIVPrevention.