PrEP on Koh Samui: steady protection from HIV, for a week or a whole season
PrEP is a tablet that stops HIV before any exposure happens. Whether you are on the island for a holiday, a long stay or you live here, a doctor in Chaweng can start you on it after a quick test and kidney check.
- No appointment
- Daily or on-demand
- Private, first name only
Who usually chooses PrEP on Koh Samui
PrEP is for anyone who may be exposed to HIV and wants reliable protection. These are the people we see most often.
Long-stay visitors and remote workers
Weeks or months on the island, new partners, and no wish to rely on condoms alone.
People who have just finished PEP
If the exposure that led to PEP could happen again, PrEP can follow straight on with no gap.
Partners of someone living with HIV
Extra reassurance while a partner is starting treatment or not yet undetectable.
Daily or on-demand: which routine fits you?
Daily PrEP
- One tablet at the same time every day
- Protects during anal, vaginal and front-hole sex, and for people who inject drugs
- Takes about 7 days to protect for anal sex, and about 21 days for vaginal or front-hole sex
- The simplest choice if sex is frequent or hard to predict
On-demand PrEP (2-1-1)
- Two tablets 2 to 24 hours before sex
- One tablet 24 hours after the first dose, and another 24 hours later
- Only proven for anal sex in cisgender men, not for vaginal sex or trans women on hormones
- The doctor checks hepatitis B first, as on-off dosing is not suitable with it
Very effective, as long as the tablets are actually taken
Taken as prescribed, PrEP is one of the most effective HIV prevention tools there is. Most people who get HIV while on PrEP have missed doses, so a routine that fits your life matters more than anything else.
PrEP does not protect against other infections such as syphilis, gonorrhoea or chlamydia. Regular STI testing is part of staying on PrEP, and the doctor will suggest a schedule.
Side effects are usually mild and short-lived: some people notice an upset stomach or headaches in the first few weeks. The kidney check is repeated during follow-up to make sure everything stays on track.
Moving on to another island or flying home?
Tell the doctor your travel plans. We will talk through your supply, how to keep your routine across time zones and how to continue PrEP with a doctor at home.
PrEP questions people ask us
Can I start PrEP the same day?
In most cases, yes. Once your HIV test is negative and the doctor has reviewed your health, you can usually leave with your first supply. Some results, like the kidney check, may be reviewed afterwards.
I had a possible exposure recently. Can I go straight onto PrEP?
If it was within the last 72 hours, you need PEP first, not PrEP. Once the 28-day PEP course is finished and you test negative, you can move straight onto PrEP.
Can I drink alcohol on PrEP?
Yes. Alcohol does not interact with PrEP. The main risk is forgetting a dose after a big night, so keep a spare tablet with you.
How do I stop PrEP safely?
It depends on the routine and the type of sex you have. In general, keep taking it for a few days after your last possible exposure. Ask the doctor to confirm exactly how long for you.
Does PrEP protect against other STIs?
No. It only prevents HIV. Condoms and regular STI testing still matter.
General information only. HIV prevention choices depend on timing, test results, medicines and your health history. Talk to a doctor about your own situation.