SEXUAL HEALTH SERVICES

HIV & STD TESTING AND TREATMENT

We believe that regular testing for HIV and STDs is an integral part of a person’s overall health care plan.

If you are sexually active, be sure to get tested for HIV at least every six months and make screening for STDs a normal part of your checkup. Talk with one of our medical providers for a schedule that’s right for you.

HIV and STDs are often spread because people do not even know they have them. Many young gay and bisexual men, transgender women, and women of color in Los Angeles are at higher risk for HIV and STDs.

Getting tested regularly for HIV is one of the best ways to stay healthy and safe.

One in seven people who are living with HIV don’t know it, and most HIV infections are transmitted by people who do not know their status.

Testing for HIV is easy and quick.

PrEP & PEP

Take charge of your sexual health!

PrEP

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

What is PrEP?

PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily medicine regimen people at risk for HIV take to prevent contracting the virus. PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. When taken daily, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV from sex or injection drug use.

How can I get PrEP?

APLA Health’s clinics provide exceptional PrEP care from knowledgeable healthcare providers. In addition to PrEP medical care and PrEP navigation services, our clinics also offer HIV testing, STD testing/treatment, primary care, behavioral health services including mental health and substance abuse counseling, and benefits navigation.

These services are available at low cost, and in some cases, for free. For more information, book an appointment today! You can also call us at 323.329.9730 or text us at 323.359.0846.

Locations

Out Here Sexual Health Center, Baldwin Hills
3741 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90016

APLA Health Center, Mid-Wilshire
5901 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA 90036

APLA Health Center, Long Beach
1043 Elm Ave., Suite 302, Long Beach, CA 90813

PrEP Assistance Programs

APLA Health takes most insurance plans and offers PrEP assistance plans. Please book an appointment with us to get more information.

We do not take Kaiser Permanente insurance. Please call your Kaiser provider to learn how to access PrEP.

Need help paying for PrEP?
If you live in California and make below $62,000/year you may qualify for free PrEP. Please book an appointment with us to get more information.

PrEP-AP
Assists uninsured and underinsured clients with PrEP related medical visits and lab work

Gilead Advancing Access
Assists uninsured clients with full coverage of PrEP prescription

Gilead Co-Pay Card
Assists insured clients with PrEP prescription co-pays

PrEP FAQs

What are the side effects of PrEP?

Side effects of PrEP differ from person to person. The most common side effects clients report are upset stomach and headache for the first two weeks. If your side effects last longer than two weeks make sure to tell your healthcare provider.

What's the pill for PrEP called?

There are currently two FDA approved medicines for PrEP: Truvada and Descovy. Currently, Truvada is the only FDA approved medicine for cisgender women.

How long does it take for PrEP to be effective in my body?

It takes 7 days for PrEP to be fully effective in the anal area, and 21 days to be effective in the vaginal area and blood stream. We typically tell all new PrEP clients to still practice safe sex for a month so your body has time to build up enough PrEP in its system.

Do I have to take PrEP every day?

In order for PrEP to be over 90% effective you must take one pill once a day.

Once I start PrEP do I have to take it for the rest of my life?

No one knows your body like you do, so it is entirely up to you to decide when to start and stop taking PrEP. If you’re on PrEP and feel like your risk of getting HIV has significantly decreased, then you can make the decision to stop taking PrEP. Just let your PrEP Navigator know before you stop. If you stopped taking PrEP and want to start it again you would just make an appointment with your PrEP Navigator. Just remember, once you start PrEP again you have to wait 7 days for it to be fully effective in the anal area and 21 days for it to be effective in the vaginal area and blood stream.

I'm transgender and am on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Can I still take PrEP?

There is currently no data that suggests that PrEP and HRT interfere with one another. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of all the current prescriptions you are on.

Is PrEP just for gay and promiscuous people?

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about PrEP! PrEP is for ANYONE who wants to stay HIV negative.

I heard PrEP is expensive. Can I can afford it?

Absolutely! There are several patient assistance programs that can help you get PrEP at little to no cost to you. Call us today to find out more.

I am not a US citizen. Can you still help me?

As long as you live in California we can assist you in getting on PrEP for little to no cost. Your privacy is our utmost priority. We do not report any patient information to ICE.

PEP

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

What is PEP?

PEP means taking antiretroviral medicines (ART) after being potentially exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected. PEP must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV, but the sooner you start PEP, the better. Every hour counts. If you’re prescribed PEP, you’ll need to take it once or twice daily for 28 days. PEP is effective at preventing HIV when administered correctly, but not 100%.

PEP is a good idea for you if in the last 72 hours you have:

Had unprotected anal or vaginal sex with a partner whose HIV status you may not know
Had sex during which the condom ripped
Shared injection equipment
Been sexually assaulted

A possible HIV exposure can be a scary experience. But remember, whatever happened during your possible exposure is not your fault. At APLA Health our compassionate and non-judgmental staff are here to help you through this time. Please book an appointment with us to get more information.

How can I get PEP?

Call us ASAP after exposure.
If you think you have been exposed to HIV within the past 72 hours, please call us immediately at 323.359.0846 so that we can guide you through the next steps.

Calling on a weekend or between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. during the week? Go to the emergency department nearest to you:
Cedars Sinai Emergency Department
8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles 90048

St. Mary Medical Center Emergency Department
1050 Linden Ave., Long Beach, CA 90813

Request a PEP starter pack.
The emergency department will prescribe a PEP starter pack, which is a 3-5 day supply of PEP. PEP is made up of two medicines, most commonly Truvada and Tivicay.

After a PEP starter pack is given you will then need to come to APLA Health as soon as possible to get the remaining one month supply of PEP. Call us at 323.359.0846 to make an appointment.

We will return your call at the beginning of the next business day for your continuation of care.

We offer PEP services at little to no cost.

If you have Kaiser Permanente insurance, please go directly to a Kaiser urgent care or emergency department. They will be able to assist you further.

I just finished PEP, now what?

Transitioning to PrEP after your PEP course may be a great idea for you. PrEP is one pill you take once a day for as long as you need it. Being on PrEP not only prevents you from getting HIV but prevents you from having to get on PEP again, which can be a scary and stressful experience. Speak to a PrEP Express Navigator today about getting on PrEP.