Q and A

Question

Starting PEP after 72 hours.

5 January 2022. Related: All topics, HIV testing, HIV transmission, PEP/PEPSE.

I had unprotected sex with a male “bottom”. I didn’t know that he was HIV positive. After around 60 hours he informed me that he is HIV positive. Unfortunately lack of information meant I started PEP after 72 hours. I completed the full 28 days course of PEP. 13 days later I went to a private clinic lab for an “HIV 4th generation test”. I got a negative result. Should it be ok? or there is a window period for the “HIV 4th generation test”. Please answer me I am still worried.

Answer

Answer: Josh Peasegood

Hi, how are you doing?

As you started PEP after 72 hours there was no benefit to the course. It is a good sign that you have tested negative but after a course of PEP 6 weeks needs to go by before the result is conclusive. This is because PEP can prevent the natural course of HIV, impacting on the result.

There are other factors that change your risk. Being the “top” will reduce your risk of HIV. This guide will show you how your risk changes in regards to the type of sex you had.

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

If you have another question do get in touch,

Josh.

2 comments

  1. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Namsi, these are not signs of HIV. As you have mentioned it is the cold season, you most likely have a cold. Please follow this link for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  2. Namsi •

    Hey, I had a sex with a lady (dont know her status), Although I did a protected sex but I was under influence of alcohol so dont know if the condom was at right place or not. I haven’t ejaculated inside her. I did a oral sex too. I went to a doctor after 40 hours as I was trying to cool myself by telling that I did a protective sex but my stress was making me mad. After all the tests, I started my pep on 62nd hour (Efavirenz, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate), I was HIV Negative before taking PEP. Its just 3 days taking PEP, I got cold and cough. Its a winter season here. I hope these are not the sign of HIV and my Pep is working ?