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 Leng, no this will not effect your health. You can remain on PrEP for as long as you need.

    You do not need to restart a 2-1-1- course if you are continuing to have sex. You are able to continue with one PrEP a day. In your case it would have been 2-1-1-1-1-1.

    PrEP prevents HIV with or without the use of a condom.

  2. LENG

    Hello Josh!
    A quick concern!
    I used PREP for my first sex and finished the last dose. The next day after the day of my last dose, i had sex again. I started with 2-1-1 meaning
    2-1-1-2-1-1 in a row. 1 time! Does this really affect my health? Is PREP still effective this way as I though I had finished the first sex then I decided to restart for second one?

    And does having sex without condom but using PREP still prevent HIV?

    Thank you so much

  3. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Collen, please see here for more information about testing and transmission: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  4. Collen

    I had exposure and I really do not trust the woman I was having sex with. I had my first dose after 12 hours of exposure. I’m really and anxious . I’m on day 3 now.

  5. Simon Collins

    Hi Sean, there is no risk to your partner. Please see this info on PEP, including if your partner tests negative:
    https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

  6. Sean345

    I finished PEP on December 3 and have tested negative since then on several tests (last test April 5). However during my PEP treatment I had sex with my partner. Is it possible I could have giving him HIV while I was on pep, but am testing negative because the PEP worked for me? In other words, can I transmit hiv during my pep treatment, but then the pep cure my hiv?

  7. Simon Collins

    Hi Kelly everything we know about PEP. including to answer your Q is here:
    https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-fa

  8. Kelly

    Hy please I have a question I have been on pep for 28 days with consistency and immediately after pep I went on prep never skipped a day , been taking my prep same time I used to take my pep meds , while on day 3 of prep I have an exposure and the condom broke and he never pulled out , should I take pep again or I should continue with my prep ?

  9. Simon Collins

    Hi Lunga, thanks, these questions are answer on this Q&A page about PEP:
    https://i-base.info/qa/23082

  10. Lunga

    Good Day
    I had a condom burst with my girlfriend whom I am not sure of her status. I went to my DR and tested negative for HIV and now on day 2 of Pep after possible exposure. I started taking pep 11 hours after after exposure. My wife is HIV negative, is it possible to have sex with my HIV negative wife while I am still on PEP?