HIV Prevention: 8 Proven Ways to Protect Yourself

Condoms, PrEP, PEP, regular testing, U=U and safer injection: how each method works and how to combine them.

Quick answer: The most effective ways to prevent HIV are using condoms correctly every time, taking PrEP if you are at ongoing risk, starting PEP within 72 hours after a possible exposure, testing regularly, and making sure partners living with HIV are on treatment with an undetectable viral load. Never share needles or syringes. Combining methods gives the strongest protection.

Combination prevention

No single method suits everyone. Public health agencies such as WHO recommend combination prevention: choosing the methods that fit your life and using more than one where possible.

8 proven ways to prevent HIV

Condom wrappers illustration for HIV prevention

1. Condoms
Male and female condoms, used correctly every time, are highly effective against HIV and also reduce other STIs and pregnancy. Use water- or silicone-based lubricant.

PrEP pill bottle and daily dosing calendar

2. PrEP
Pre-exposure prophylaxis is HIV medicine taken before exposure. Taken as prescribed, oral PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. Learn about PrEP.

Clock showing PEP must start within 72 hours

3. PEP
Post-exposure prophylaxis is a 28-day course of HIV medicines started within 72 hours after a possible exposure. The sooner, the better.

HIV rapid test cassette and repeat testing every 3 to 6 months

4. Regular testing
Knowing your status, and your partner's, lets you choose the right prevention. Test at least once a year, or every 3 to 6 months if you are at higher risk.

U=U shield: undetectable equals untransmittable

5. U=U
A partner living with HIV who keeps an undetectable viral load on treatment does not transmit HIV through sex. Read about U=U.

6. Never share needles
Use new, sterile needles and syringes every time. Tattoos and piercings should only be done with sterile equipment.

7. Test and treat other STIs
Syphilis, gonorrhoea and herpes cause sores and inflammation that increase HIV risk. Regular STI screening lowers your risk.

Mother holding baby, preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission

8. Prevent mother-to-child transmission
Pregnant women should test for HIV and syphilis. ART during pregnancy and breastfeeding reduces the risk to the baby to very low levels.

PrEP options

Type	How it is taken	Notes
Daily oral PrEP	One tablet every day	Most widely available option, including in Malaysia
Event-driven (2-1-1) PrEP	2 tablets 2 to 24 hours before sex, then 1 tablet 24 and 48 hours after	Studied for men who have sex with men; ask a doctor if it suits you
Long-acting injectable PrEP	Cabotegravir every 2 months, or lenacapavir twice a year	Recommended by WHO; availability varies by country

In Malaysia, the Ministry of Health started a PrEP programme in January 2023 and provides fully subsidised PrEP at participating Klinik Kesihatan, with the programme expanding nationwide. PrEP is also available at private clinics and through community organisations.

Which methods protect against what?

Method	HIV	Other STIs	Pregnancy
Condoms	Yes	Yes (reduces)	Yes
PrEP	Yes	No	No
PEP (emergency)	Yes	No	No
Partner undetectable (U=U)	Yes (sexual)	No	No

After a possible exposure: Seek PEP within 72 hours from a hospital emergency department or clinic. Then test after the HIV window period, even if you took PEP.

Make testing part of your routine

Private, simple HIV screening at home with the iCare HIV 1&2 kit.

View iCare HIV Test Kit

Related guides: PrEP & PEP · How HIV Is Transmitted · HIV Testing Window Period

Frequently asked questions

What is the most effective way to prevent HIV?

Combining methods is most effective: consistent condom use, PrEP for people at ongoing risk, regular testing, and partners living with HIV keeping an undetectable viral load.

How effective is PrEP?

When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and from injecting drugs by at least 74%.

How soon must PEP be started?

PEP must be started within 72 hours of a possible exposure, and the sooner the better. It is taken for 28 days.

Is PrEP free in Malaysia?

The Ministry of Health provides fully subsidised PrEP at participating government health clinics. Private clinics charge for PrEP and follow-up tests.

Does PrEP protect against other STIs?

No. PrEP only protects against HIV. Condoms help protect against syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and other STIs.

Medical note: This page provides general education and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have symptoms, a reactive test or a recent possible exposure, contact a qualified healthcare professional.

Authoritative references: WHO: HIV and AIDS · CDC: HIV Prevention · CDC: Preventing HIV with PrEP · MOH: National Guideline on HIV PrEP 2025