
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can lower your risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and later acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) by up to 99%. Karen Battenberg, APRN, FNP-C, provides several options for PrEP at her neighborhood clinic, On the Move Medical Clinic, in Kalispell, Montana. The clinic provides in-person and telehealth consultations. Call the office or schedule an appointment online for more information about PrEP today.
request an appointmentWhat is PrEP?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a medication that reduces your risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from sexual contact or shared needles. HIV is a contagious virus that damages your immune system and can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
HIV is spread primarily through sexual contact and injection drug use. You can also get it from an unsanitary piercing or tattoo needle because the virus travels through bodily fluids and membranes. PrEP can’t stop the spread of other STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia, but it can prevent you from getting HIV.
If you take PrEP correctly, it can lower your risk of getting HIV substantially. You must take medication consistently according to Karen’s instructions and avoid missing dosages.
Who should get PrEP?
You can use PrEP as long as you don’t already have HIV. In fact, many sexually active people without HIV can benefit from taking it. Karen can evaluate your health and habits to help you decide if PrEP is right for you.
She may recommend PrEP if you:
- Have shared injection equipment in the past six months
- Don’t regularly use condoms for vaginal or anal sex
- Have been diagnosed with another STD in the past six months
- Know of a sexual partner’s HIV
If you’re pregnant, PrEP can help you and your baby both avoid contracting HIV.
What should I expect while getting PrEP?
There are several ways to take PrEP, and Karen can help you choose a preferred method. Your options are:
Pills
You can get PrEP in the form of pills you take daily by mouth. It’s critical to take the pills everyday around the same time for PrEP to remain effective.
Shots
If you’re not interested in taking a daily pill, you can also get PrEP injections every other month. You start with two shots spaced a month apart before transitioning to one shot every two months.
On-demand PrEP
You can get on-demand or event-driven PrEP if you’re at risk of contracting HIV after a specific event or circumstance.
For more information on PrEP and how to take it correctly, call On the Move Medical Clinic or schedule your appointment online today.
Your Kalispell Primary Care Physician
On the Move Medical Clinic is located at 248 3rd Ave E in Kalispell, MT. Call us at (406) 607-2223 to schedule your appointment with our friendly staff or schedule your appointment online here.