PrEP Isn’t “Not for Women”
- Michelle Paul
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent HIV—yet it’s still widely seen as something “for gay men,” not women. That misconception leaves many women uninformed, unprotected, and excluded from a life-saving option.
This belief comes from early public health messaging that centered men, combined with healthcare systems that often underestimate women’s HIV risk, especially black women. Women are frequently labeled “low risk” based on relationship status, even though HIV risk isn’t just about personal behavior—it’s also about what you can’t control, like a partner’s coming and goings.
HIV risk isn’t just about personal behavior—it’s also about what you can’t control, like a partner’s coming and goings.
PrEP is Protection for Women
PrEP gives women protection they don’t have to negotiate. It doesn’t require a partner’s permission, cooperation, or disclosure. Using PrEP isn’t about distrust—it’s about autonomy and self-care.
The reality is simple: PrEP is for anyone at risk of HIV. That includes straight women, queer women, trans women, women in long-term relationships, and women who just want an extra layer of protection. It is safe, well-studied, and effective for women.
When women aren’t offered PrEP, the consequences are real—especially for women of color, who face higher HIV risk due to systemic barriers, not personal failure.
PrEP is more than a pill. For women, it’s a form of sexual and reproductive agency.
It’s time to stop treating HIV prevention as someone else’s responsibility. PrEP is for women—and it always has been.
Contact our PrEP Team today to discover how PrEP can provide the protection you need.
Lionel-Jammal is a contract writer for One Check Away, Inc., dedicated to providing high-quality content that helps our community stay informed, prepared, and ahead of the curve.
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