LGBTQ+ Sexual Health & PrEP Visit Planning NYC

Possible HIV exposure within 72 hours?

If you may have been exposed to HIV within the past 72 hours, seek urgent medical evaluation now. PEP works best when started as soon as possible. Do not wait for a routine PrEP appointment; go to an emergency department if prompt evaluation is unavailable.

Urgent PEP guidance

Choose the care you need

Ongoing HIV prevention

Explore PrEP and daily and injectable options. Your goals and exposure route help guide the choice.

HIV and STI testing

HIV testing and STI testing. Tell the clinician which sites of exposure are relevant; urine or blood tests alone may not cover every need.

A possible recent HIV exposure

Seek urgent PEP evaluation. PEP must begin within 72 hours when indicated. Do not wait for a routine appointment.

A useful conversation goes beyond a label

Sexual orientation and gender identity do not determine a single prevention plan. Discuss the kinds of sex relevant to your care, current anatomy when it affects testing, symptoms, pregnancy potential and medications, including hormone therapy.

You can share your name and pronouns and ask which clinician can address your questions. Ask specifically about any service you need, including gender-affirming treatment; these details does not establish that those additional services are available.

For PrEP, exposure route affects medicine choice. Descovy is not indicated for people whose risk is through receptive vaginal sex. Review alternatives with the clinician.

Privacy and billing questions

Ask how results, appointment reminders, pharmacy messages and portal access are handled. If you use someone else’s insurance, an explanation of benefits or billing notice may reveal care to the policyholder. Ask the clinic and insurer about confidential communication options before using that coverage.

Confirm age eligibility and applicable consent requirements when scheduling for an adolescent. Do not assume every location or service has the same policies.

Other prevention and follow-up

Discuss vaccines, condoms, repeat testing and a plan to receive results. Doxy PEP can reduce certain bacterial STIs for selected patients, but it does not prevent HIV and is not recommended for everyone.

Costs, benefits and assistance · NYC Health PrEP resources

Questions to discuss before your visit

Do I have to know which PrEP I want before the visit?

No. You can describe your priorities and ask the clinician to compare suitable options.

Can I get every STI test from a blood draw?

No. The appropriate samples depend on the infection, symptoms and exposure sites. Ask whether urine, throat or rectal swabs or other testing are needed.

Does these details list a dedicated LGBTQ+ specialist?

No. It helps you navigate existing services and prepare questions. Confirm provider experience and specific clinical capabilities with the clinic.

Sources and update date

Updated September 15, 2026. Clinical information is based on the resources below. Your clinician applies current guidance to your care.

Choose your PrEP care pathway

Review testing, medication options, costs and follow-up with the Nao Medical team.

Compare PrEP options

Health information notice

General information only. The information below is not medical advice and does not replace diagnosis, treatment, or guidance from a licensed clinician.

Content was updated September 15, 2026 from the sources cited on the cited resources. Medical guidance, prescribing information, medication availability, and insurance rules can change. A licensed clinician must confirm current information and determine each patient's eligibility, testing, treatment, administration setting, and follow-up. Call 911 for a medical emergency. Contact Nao Medical with a question or correction.

LGBTQ+ sexual health and PrEP visit planning

Find the sexual-health service that fits your needs, and prepare for a clear conversation about testing, prevention and follow-up.