Q and A

Question

Can I have sex while on PEP?

I have just started PEP after a drunk one night stand with an HIV positive person. While I’m on PEP can I transmit the virus to my regular partner of 12 months?

Answer

Hi, how are you?

You can, but most people often have a break from sex while on PEP. Sex without a condom while you are unaware of your status can potentially put your partner at risk of HIV.

If your partner of 12 months is okay to use a condom there would not be a risk of transmitting HIV. Although some other STDs would not be prevented.

Please see this link for more information about PEP:
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

Josh.

72 comments

  1. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Cindy, do you mean PrEP or PEP? PEP is a 3-drug combination taken for 28 days after an exposure to prevent HIV.

    While on PEP it can act like PrEP and prevent further exposure risks. You do not need to extend the course of treatment.

    Missing a single dose/being late is not going to have a significant impact and the course of PEP will still be effective.

    More information about PEP can be found here:
    https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

  2. Cindy

    Good evening

    I had unprotected sex on the 16th of June immediately the following day got prep and I started immediately but now from the 3rd of July we had unprotected sex and his HIV + but I am still on prep haven’t finished it, I take it daily. On the 3rd of July I also missed my dose but the following day I took 1 at 2pm and another at 10pm to cover for the missed dose on the 3rd do you think its effective and can we still continue having sex while I am on prep? Ever since I started with prep I only missed 1 dose.