This page is general health information, not medical advice. It cannot tell you whether you have an infection. A clinician can, and the testing options on this site are a good place to start.

PrEP is a prevention tool. It is medicine that people who do not have HIV take to lower their chance of getting HIV. In Denver, getting started usually takes one clinic visit, a few lab tests and a conversation with a clinician about what fits your life.

This guide explains what PrEP is, who it is meant for, the three kinds of PrEP, what the visits involve, what HIV PrEP cost looks like, and where PrEP in Denver is available. It uses guidance from the CDC and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), plus what Denver clinics publish about their own services.

You do not need to explain your life to anyone to ask about PrEP. Clinicians ask questions about sex and drug use because the answers help them choose the right care. They do not ask to judge you.

Key takeaways

PrEP is prescribed by a clinician. The CDC says daily oral PrEP lowers the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99 percent when taken as prescribed.
The USPSTF gives PrEP its top grade (A) for people at increased risk of HIV, which is why many insurance plans cover it without a copay. Ask your plan to confirm.
Before you start, a clinician orders an HIV test and other labs. While you take PrEP, you return for regular HIV and STI testing.
The Denver Sexual Health Clinic says it will meet with anyone who wants to start PrEP. Visits are by appointment at 303-602-3540.
HeyDenver offers PrEP navigation at 303-962-2880. Planned Parenthood Park Hill and Clinica Tepeyac are listed in the CDC's GetTested directory as PrEP sites.
PrEP does not protect against other STIs. Regular STI testing is part of PrEP care.
A pharmacy or clinic can tell you what you would pay. Colorado-specific assistance programs are not described on the Denver clinic pages, so ask the clinic about options.

In this guide

What PrEP is and how it works
Who PrEP is for
Daily, on-demand and injectable PrEP
What the visits and lab tests involve
HIV PrEP cost and coverage
Where to get PrEP in Denver
Common questions and next steps
Sources

What PrEP is and how it works

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. In plain terms, it means taking HIV medicine before a possible exposure so the virus has a much harder time taking hold in the body.

PrEP is for people who do not have HIV. A clinician confirms that with a test before prescribing it. People who already have HIV need a different kind of treatment, which is also prescribed by a clinician and is very effective at keeping HIV well controlled.

How well PrEP works

The CDC says daily oral PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99 percent when it is taken as prescribed. For people who inject drugs, the CDC says the reduction is at least 74 percent. The key phrase is as prescribed. PrEP works best when it is taken the way the clinician explains, and when you keep your follow-up visits.

What PrEP does not do

PrEP protects against HIV only. It does not protect against chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV or other infections. The CDC recommends STI testing for people on PrEP, and condoms still lower the chance of getting many STIs. If you want a refresher on those infections and where to test for them, the local guide to STD testing in Denver lists clinics and what they offer.

PrEP and PEP are different

PEP is post-exposure prophylaxis. It is HIV medicine started after a possible exposure, and it has to be started quickly. The Denver Sexual Health Clinic says to call as soon as possible if you were exposed to HIV in the past 72 hours. PrEP is planned ahead. PEP is for an urgent situation. Some people start PEP and later move to PrEP, and a clinician can help with that step.

Who PrEP is for

PrEP is for anyone who may be exposed to HIV and wants extra protection. It is not tied to any gender, orientation, age group or relationship type. Straight, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender and nonbinary people all use PrEP, and so do people in long-term couples.

What the CDC describes

The CDC's clinical guidance says clinicians should discuss PrEP with sexually active adults and adolescents, and should offer it to people who report situations that raise HIV risk. These include having a partner with HIV whose viral load is detectable or unknown, having had a bacterial STI in the past six months, or having sex without condoms with partners whose HIV status is unknown. For people who inject drugs, the CDC lists sharing needles or other injection equipment.

The USPSTF, an independent panel of experts, recommends that clinicians offer PrEP to people at increased risk of HIV. It assigns this recommendation a grade of A, its highest. That grade also shapes insurance coverage, as covered below.

You can ask even if you are unsure

The lists above are guides for clinicians, not gates you must pass. If you are wondering whether PrEP fits your situation, a clinician can talk it through with you. A clinician is the right person to tell you whether PrEP makes sense, and they can do that without any judgment about your choices.

Colorado context

Bacterial STIs are one of the CDC's markers for considering PrEP, so state numbers are useful background. The CDC's 2023 STI Surveillance State Ranking Tables list Colorado at 435.1 chlamydia cases per 100,000 people (25,571 cases), 128.7 gonorrhea cases per 100,000 (7,563 cases) and 16.0 primary and secondary syphilis cases per 100,000 (938 cases). Those are statewide figures for 2023, not Denver-only numbers. The sources reviewed for this guide did not include a current Colorado figure for new HIV diagnoses, so check the Colorado health department or the CDC for that number.

Teens and young adults

Colorado law, C.R.S. 25-4-409, says a health-care provider consulted by a minor must, at the minor's request, perform an exam for a sexually transmitted infection, provide treatment if needed and discuss or prescribe preventive measures. Parental consent is not required, and the statute sets no minimum age. The information is confidential except for child-protection reporting. For a minor 13 or younger, the provider may involve a parent or guardian. This statute is about STI exams and prevention. If you are under 18 and want PrEP, ask the clinic how it handles PrEP visits for minors.

Pregnancy and family planning

If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or chestfeeding, tell the clinician. They can go over how PrEP fits with that stage of life. Colorado also requires providers and facilities treating pregnant patients to offer syphilis testing at set points in pregnancy, under Regulation 12 of 6 CCR 1009-1, so prenatal care and prevention often come up together.

Daily, on-demand and injectable PrEP

There is more than one way to take PrEP. The best choice depends on your health, your routine and what your clinic offers. A clinician prescribes all of them. The table gives the overview, and the sections after it add detail.

Type	How it is used	Good to know
Daily oral PrEP	A pill taken on a routine, as the clinician directs	The most studied option. The CDC's effectiveness figures apply to this type.
On-demand (event-driven) PrEP	Pills timed around sex, as the clinician directs	Studied mainly in men who have sex with men. Not a plan to start on your own.
Injectable PrEP	A shot given at a clinic or office, on a schedule the clinician sets	No daily pill. Requires keeping appointments. Availability varies by clinic.

Daily oral PrEP

This is the form most people mean when they say PrEP. A clinician prescribes a pill that you take on a regular routine. Many people link it to something they already do each day, such as brushing their teeth.

The CDC says oral PrEP reaches protective levels in the body over a period of days, and that the time needed differs by type of exposure. Your clinician will tell you when protection can be expected for your situation. Do not rely on a general rule from the internet.

Common early side effects are usually mild, such as an upset stomach, and often ease over the first weeks. Tell your clinician about any side effects. Do not stop or change how you take it without talking to them.

On-demand PrEP

On-demand PrEP, sometimes called event-driven PrEP or by the shorthand 2-1-1, means taking oral PrEP around the time of sex instead of every day. The research on it has been done mainly in men who have sex with men, and that is the group in which it has been described. The evidence for other groups, including people having vaginal sex, is much thinner. The CDC's main PrEP guidance centers on daily oral and injectable options.

If this approach interests you, bring it up with a clinician. They can tell you whether it fits your situation and explain exactly how to take it. This guide does not give a schedule because it must be set by a clinician who knows your health history.

Injectable PrEP

Injectable PrEP is given by a clinician instead of taken as a daily pill. It can suit people who find a daily routine hard to keep. It also means regular appointments are essential, because each injection is timed by the clinic.

Newer long-acting options have been appearing, and what a given clinic stocks can change. Ask the clinic you choose which injectable options they offer and whether they can start you on one. Ask your insurer, too, since coverage for injectables can differ from coverage for pills.

How to choose

These questions can help you decide with a clinician:

Do I want a daily habit, or would a clinic-given option suit me better?
How often am I likely to need protection?
Do I have kidney, liver or other health conditions the clinician should know about?
What will my plan cover, and what will the follow-up visits cost?
Can I switch types later if my life changes?

What the visits and lab tests involve

Knowing the steps ahead of time takes much of the worry out. Here is what the CDC's clinical guidance describes, with the caveat that each clinic runs its own process.

Before you go

Check the clinic's current process, since some clinics need an appointment and some offer limited walk-in times. Bring your insurance card if you have one. Make a short list of medicines you take, including supplements, and any health conditions you know about. Write down your questions, because it is easy to forget them in the room.

At the first visit

A clinician will talk with you about your health, your sexual and drug-use history and your goals. Then they typically order tests. The CDC's guidance for oral PrEP includes:

An HIV test, because PrEP is for people who do not have HIV.
A kidney function test, because some oral PrEP medicines are processed by the kidneys.
Hepatitis B testing, because some PrEP medicines also act on hepatitis B and this affects how they are managed.
Hepatitis C testing and STI testing, such as for gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis, depending on your history.
A pregnancy test when relevant.

The clinician may prescribe PrEP the same day or after the lab results arrive. That depends on the clinic and the type of HIV test used.

About HIV test timing

Tests cannot detect HIV the moment it enters the body. The CDC gives these general windows: a nucleic acid test can usually detect HIV 10 to 33 days after exposure, an antigen/antibody lab test 18 to 45 days, a rapid antigen/antibody test 18 to 90 days and an antibody test 23 to 90 days. If you think you had a recent exposure, say so. Your clinician can pick the right test and tell you what the result can and cannot show.

Follow-up visits

PrEP is ongoing care. The CDC's guidance calls for follow-up with HIV testing about every three months while you take PrEP, along with STI testing and a check-in about side effects and how you are taking the medicine. Kidney function is rechecked at intervals your clinician sets. Keeping these visits is part of what makes PrEP safe.

If you want to stop or pause

You can stop PrEP at any time. Tell your clinician first, because they may advise specific steps, especially if you have hepatitis B. Many people stop and restart as life changes, and a clinician can help you do that safely.

Privacy

Clinics keep your health information confidential under the usual medical privacy rules. Colorado rules in 6 CCR 1009-1, Appendix A, require laboratories and providers to report certain results to public health, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea within 4 days and positive syphilis results within 1 working day. Public health reporting is a routine part of how health departments track and respond to infections. It is separate from anything sent to your family or employer. If you have concerns, ask the clinic how your information is handled.

HIV PrEP cost and coverage

HIV PrEP cost is the question that stops many people before they begin. The honest answer is that it depends on your insurance, the type of PrEP and the clinic. Here is how to find your own number.

What you may be paying for

PrEP involves three types of costs: the visits, the lab tests and the medicine itself. Each can be billed on its own. When you call a clinic or your insurer, ask about all three so there are no surprises.

Coverage under the ACA preventive rules

The Affordable Care Act requires most private health plans to cover services that the USPSTF rates A or B without charging a copay, coinsurance or deductible when the service is received from an in-network provider. PrEP for people at increased risk of HIV carries an A grade from the USPSTF. Federal guidance has also said that related services, such as HIV testing and the monitoring labs that go with PrEP, should be covered as part of that benefit.

Some details can differ. Grandfathered plans, short-term plans and some other coverage types may not follow the same rules. Out-of-network care may cost more. A plan may also require that you use a specific medicine or get prior approval. Call the number on your insurance card and ask directly:

Is PrEP covered as a preventive service with no cost sharing?
Which PrEP medicines and types are covered, including injectable options?
Are the visits and labs covered at the same level?
Does the clinic I plan to use count as in-network?

If you have Medicaid

The CDC's GetTested listing for Planned Parenthood Park Hill says insurance and Medicaid are accepted. Coverage specifics for Health First Colorado members are not published in the sources reviewed here, so confirm with the clinic and your health plan.

If you do not have insurance

Start with a clinic that has a sliding fee scale. The Denver Sexual Health Clinic states on its Public Health Institute at Denver Health page that uninsured and out-of-network patients pay on a sliding fee scale of $0 to $70, and that no one is denied care based on ability to pay. The page does not break that fee down by service, so ask the clinic what it covers for a PrEP visit and the medicine. The page also says that ongoing PrEP at the clinic depends on insurance status and the option chosen, and that people who are not eligible receive referrals from navigators.

The CDC's GetTested listings for Planned Parenthood Park Hill and Clinica Tepeyac both note PrEP for people without insurance and say to contact the organization for eligibility. Neither listing publishes a price. HeyDenver, run by Colorado Health Network, offers PrEP navigation, which means staff help you find a way to get PrEP and pay for it. Its page says testing is free in its Spanish text but does not state a price for PrEP itself, so ask them directly.

Assistance programs

Medicine assistance programs and help with copays exist nationally. The Denver clinic pages do not describe a Colorado state PrEP assistance program, so a navigator is the best person to ask which programs you qualify for. Say plainly that cost is a worry. Navigators handle this question every day.

Ways to keep costs down

Call before you go and ask what a first visit, labs and the medicine will cost with your coverage.
Ask whether the clinic can bill your insurance directly.
Ask whether the clinic offers a sliding fee scale.
Keep follow-up appointments, since missed visits can mean repeating steps.
If a quoted price seems out of reach, ask who else can help before you decide to skip PrEP.

Where to get PrEP in Denver

These are the Denver sites whose published information mentions PrEP. Hours and policies change, so confirm by phone before you go. Each clinic's own page or the CDC's GetTested directory at gettested.cdc.gov is the best source for current details.

Denver Sexual Health Clinic

Run by the Public Health Institute at Denver Health (Denver Public Health), the clinic is at 660 N. Bannock St., Pavilion L, 2nd Floor, Denver, CO 80204. Call 303-602-3540.

PrEP: The clinic says it will meet with anyone who wants to start PrEP.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The clinic is closed from 8 to 9 a.m. on the second Monday of each month.
Appointments: Required for all clinic visits.
Cost: A sliding fee scale of $0 to $70 for uninsured or out-of-network patients.
Also offered: STD, HIV and hepatitis C testing, PEP and treatment.

Read the clinic's STD testing and treatment page for current details.

HeyDenver (Colorado Health Network)

HeyDenver is at 822 E 19th Ave, Denver, CO 80218. Call 303-962-2880. It offers PrEP navigation along with STI testing, rapid HIV testing and hepatitis C testing in some cases. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-in testing is offered on set days and otherwise by appointment, so confirm walk-in days before you go. The HeyDenver website has booking details.

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, Park Hill Health Center

The health center is at 7155 E 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80207. Call (303) 321-2458. The CDC's GetTested listing shows PrEP, HIV testing, rapid HIV testing and hepatitis C testing, with insurance and Medicaid accepted and PrEP for people without insurance. The listing says no appointment is needed, but it does not list hours or prices. Read the GetTested listing and call to confirm.

Clinica Tepeyac

Clinica Tepeyac is at 2101 E 48th Ave, Denver, CO 80216. Call (303) 458-5302. The CDC's GetTested listing shows PrEP, HIV testing, hepatitis C testing and the HPV vaccine, with a sliding scale and insurance and Medicaid accepted. Appointments are required, and the listing says to contact the organization about eligibility. It does not publish hours or prices. Read the GetTested listing for more.

Free testing as a first step

If you are not ready for a PrEP visit, testing is a useful first step and often part of a PrEP visit anyway. Denver Health's community outreach team offers free, confidential STD, HIV and hepatitis C testing in English and Spanish at rotating locations around the metro area, with no appointment needed. Call or text 720-415-7075 for current locations. The outreach team does not provide exams or treatment, so people with symptoms or a recent exposure should contact the Denver Sexual Health Clinic.

Denver Public Health also runs TestYourselfColorado.com. It offers free mail-in chlamydia and gonorrhea testing and an at-home HIV test once a year to Colorado residents 18 or older. It is not for people who are pregnant or have symptoms. Treatment is free. Use the CDC's GetTested directory to find more sites by ZIP code.

Common questions and next steps

Do I need to have a lot of partners to qualify?

No. The CDC's criteria are about specific situations, such as a partner's HIV status or a recent bacterial STI, not about the number of partners. A clinician can talk through your own circumstances.

Can I take PrEP and use condoms?

Yes. Many people do both. Condoms lower the chance of other STIs, which PrEP does not cover.

Will people know I am on PrEP?

Medical visits are confidential. Insurance statements can show billed services, so if privacy at home is a concern, ask the clinic or your insurer about confidential communication options.

How long do I need to stay on PrEP?

Some people use PrEP for a season of life and some for years. You and your clinician can revisit the decision at any follow-up visit.

What if I think I was exposed to HIV recently?

Contact a clinic right away. The Denver Sexual Health Clinic says to call as soon as possible if the exposure was within the past 72 hours, because PEP works best when started quickly.

Is PrEP safe?

The CDC describes PrEP as safe for most people when monitored by a clinician. This is why the kidney tests, HIV tests and follow-up visits matter. Tell your clinician about every medicine you take.

Your next steps

Decide which clinic fits your situation using the list above.
Call and ask about appointment availability, costs and what to bring.
Check with your insurer about coverage if you have a plan.
Get your baseline tests and talk with the clinician about which type of PrEP suits you.
Put your follow-up visits on your calendar.

If you want testing first, free and low-cost options are listed above and in the CDC's GetTested directory at gettested.cdc.gov. You can also use the Denver testing guide. Wanting protection is a sound reason to ask for care, and Denver clinics are set up to help.

Sources

CDC: Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention
CDC: Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021
CDC: 2023 STI Surveillance State Ranking Tables
CDC GetTested directory
Public Health Institute at Denver Health: STD Testing and Treatment
HeyDenver (Colorado Health Network)
TestYourselfColorado.com, provided by Denver Public Health
C.R.S. 25-4-409, minor consent for STI exams and treatment
Colorado 6 CCR 1009-1, reportable conditions and Regulation 12
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, recommendation on PrEP for the prevention of HIV infection (Grade A)

PrEP in Denver: How to Get It, What It Costs and Who It Is For