Tove Silver is a nurse practitioner at Neighborhood Health Center, specializing in sexual and reproductive health.

Fluent in English and Spanish, Tove provides primary care and reproductive health services at NHC’s Hillsboro and Tanasbourne clinics.

Tove is passionate about health equity and accessibility. We asked her to share more about PrEP, including who should think about taking it and how long the medication takes to work:

What is PrEP?

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication taken to prevent getting HIV through sex. Tove says when PrEP is taken as prescribed, it is very effective at preventing HIV.

Who should take PrEP?

Tove encourages anyone who is sexually active – or planning to be sexually active – with more than one partner and anyone who tests positive for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) to talk to their health care provider about PrEP.

How long does it take to work?

PrEP can take 7 to 21 days to be effective, depending on where in the body the exposure takes place. Tove says your provider can help you determine which plan is best for you.

Do I need to see a provider to begin taking PrEP?

Yes. If you are interested in taking PrEP, you will need to have some lab work done before taking the medication. NHC providers can go over your options and help you decide if PrEP is right for you.

If you want to learn more about PrEP or schedule an appointment with Tove and her team, please call (503) 848-5861.