How to Talk to Your Doctor About PrEP (Script Included)

Asking a doctor about PrEP can feel awkward — especially if you're worried about judgment, don't know what to say, or aren't sure your doctor even knows what PrEP is. Here's exactly how to bring it up, what to say, and what to do if your doctor pushes back.

The script: what to say

You don't need a long explanation. Here are three approaches depending on your comfort level:

Direct approach (recommended)

"I'd like to start PrEP for HIV prevention. Can you prescribe it, or refer me to someone who can?"

This is clear, clinical, and doesn't require disclosing details about your sex life. Any competent provider should know how to proceed from here.

Information-seeking approach

"I've been reading about PrEP and I'm interested in starting it. What do I need to do?"

This frames it as research-driven, which some people find less intimidating.

If you're seeing a new provider

"I'm looking for a provider who prescribes PrEP. Is that something you do here?"

This lets you screen the provider before committing to an appointment.

What your doctor should do next

After you ask about PrEP, a knowledgeable provider should:

1. Ask a few questions about your sexual health and risk factors (this is routine, not judgmental)
2. Order baseline labs: HIV test (must be negative to start PrEP), kidney function (creatinine), and STI screening (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis B)
3. Discuss which PrEP option is best: daily pill (generic Truvada or Descovy) or injectable (Apretude or Yeztugo)
4. Write the prescription
5. Schedule a 3-month follow-up for monitoring

The whole conversation typically takes 10–15 minutes. It's a straightforward, preventive health decision — like asking for a flu shot or a cholesterol medication.

What if your doctor pushes back?

Unfortunately, not all providers are PrEP-knowledgeable, and some may have biases. Here's how to handle common pushback:

"You don't need that"

PrEP is appropriate for anyone who feels they could benefit from HIV protection. You don't need to justify your sex life. If a provider dismisses your request without discussing your risk factors, they're not doing their job. Response: "I've considered my risk factors and I'd like to start PrEP. Can you prescribe it?"

"Just use condoms"

PrEP and condoms are complementary, not competing strategies. CDC guidelines recommend PrEP for anyone at substantial risk. Response: "I understand condoms are important too. I'd like the additional protection that PrEP provides."

"I'm not comfortable prescribing it"

This is the doctor's limitation, not yours. Response: "Can you refer me to someone who does prescribe PrEP?" Or skip the referral and go directly to MISTR, a local LGBTQ+ health center, or Planned Parenthood.

"I don't know enough about PrEP"

This is actually a fair response. Not all primary care doctors are up to date on PrEP. You can suggest they review the CDC's PrEP clinical guidelines, or you can find a PrEP-experienced provider. The CDC's PrEP provider directory and your state's FreePrEP.org guide can help.

Skip the doctor entirely: alternatives that work

If talking to your regular doctor feels uncomfortable or unproductive, you have excellent alternatives:

LGBTQ+ health centers: Providers at centers like Equitas Health, Howard Brown, CrescentCare, Kind Clinic, and Fenway Health prescribe PrEP daily. It's routine for them — no awkwardness.

Planned Parenthood: Many locations prescribe PrEP. Staff are trained in nonjudgmental sexual health care.

Health department STD clinics: City and county health departments frequently offer PrEP or can refer you directly.

Questions your provider might ask (and why)

Don't be caught off guard — these are routine clinical questions, not judgment:

• "Do you have sex with men, women, or both?" — helps determine which PrEP formulation is appropriate (Descovy is only FDA-approved for receptive anal sex, not vaginal sex)
• "How many sexual partners have you had recently?" — routine risk assessment
• "Do you use condoms consistently?" — helps assess overall risk profile
• "Have you been tested for HIV recently?" — PrEP requires a negative HIV test
• "Do you inject drugs?" — PrEP also prevents HIV from needle sharing

You can answer these honestly without disclosing anything you're not comfortable with. A simple "I have multiple partners and I want to be protected" is sufficient.

Find a PrEP-friendly provider in your state

Every state has providers who prescribe PrEP routinely. Find them:

Browse All 50 State Guides →

Frequently asked questions