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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?