How to Talk to Your Partner About PrEP | HIV Prevention Tips

Deciding to take PrEP—a daily medication that helps prevent HIV—is a powerful step toward protecting your health. But for many people, one question lingers:

“How do I bring this up with my partner?”

Whether you're in a new relationship, a committed one, or navigating casual dating, talking about PrEP can feel awkward. But it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, the conversation can actually build trust, openness, and shared responsibility.

Why This Conversation Matters

Starting PrEP is a personal choice—but relationships thrive on communication. Talking to your partner shows that you care about:

• Your own health and wellbeing

• The safety of your relationship

• Being honest and proactive, not reactive

PrEP isn’t about mistrust—it’s about protection. And when framed the right way, most partners appreciate that you’re taking your health seriously.

When You Might Especially Want to Have This Talk

• You're entering a new relationship

• You're restarting sex after a break or STI treatment

• Your partner is living with HIV

• You have multiple or anonymous partners

• You want extra protection alongside condoms—or as a backup when condoms aren’t used

How to Start the Conversation

Need a script? Try one of these:

“I’m looking into starting PrEP. It’s a daily pill that helps prevent HIV. I’m doing it for my own peace of mind—it has nothing to do with you specifically.”

“There’s so much stigma around HIV, but there are actually really great tools now. PrEP is one of them, and I think it could be a smart choice for me.”

“I care about both of us, and this is one way I can protect myself and our relationship.”

Lead with You

Keep the focus on your own health—not your partner’s behavior.

“I’ve been thinking about HIV prevention, and I recently learned about PrEP. I want to take more control of my health.”

Educate Together

Don’t assume your partner knows what PrEP is.

“It’s a once-a-day pill that helps prevent HIV. It’s over 99% effective when taken consistently.”

You can even pull up a reputable article or website and explore it together.

Clarify that this is about prevention, not suspicion.

“I’m not doing this because I don’t trust you—I just believe in being proactive.”

This can be especially helpful in monogamous relationships, where someone might take it personally.

Reassure Them

What If They React Badly?

Not everyone will understand right away. That’s okay.

If your partner gets defensive or confused:

• Stay calm and confident

• Avoid blame or accusations

• Keep the focus on your goals, not their actions

• Give them time to think and revisit the topic later

Sometimes a little space makes room for a deeper conversation.

The Bottom Line

PrEP is about self-care—not shame.
Talking to your partner may feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s a conversation that could protect both of you and open the door to deeper trust.