Pre-exposure prophylaxis for women: enhancing HIV prevention in primary care

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective pharmacological intervention in preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. National guidelines have highlighted lower uptake and reduced access to PrEP among women, people from minority ethnic groups and heterosexual populations. This highlights the need for more equitable access and increased awareness of such a vital resource in HIV prevention to those who may benefit. This article aims to equip primary care practitioners – including nurses – with the latest information on PrEP, PrEP for women and how to integrate PrEP awareness, risk assessment and provision into everyday practice. It outlines eligibility and monitoring requirements for PrEP and the practitioner’s role in education, assessment and prescribing or referring patients to sexual health services for PrEP. The authors emphasise the importance of discussing HIV risk with women who may not previously have considered PrEP, as well as practical implications such as initiating conversations and addressing stigma. Recognising that women are an underserved group in HIV prevention and embedding PrEP within primary care will widen access and contribute to the UK goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030.