Question
Can I test while I am on PEP?
9 January 2022. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, HIV testing, HIV transmission, PEP/PEPSE, Side effects.
I had an exposure through an unprotected sexual encounter at which I was the insertive (top), lots of lubricants were used, and there were no ejaculations nor blood. My partner was informed that he tested positive on the second day and later knew that his viral load is less than 20,000 copies/mL. I started PEP on Thursday night (8 pm) with only Truvada (39 hours later) then started having Tivicay as well from Friday night (8 pm). I had a strong headache for a couple of days, and a fluctuating low-grade fever throughout the day. Furthermore, I am generally sleepy and I do sleep from 8 to 12 hours every day since I started PEP.
I tested for HIV AG/AB on Sunday’s night (December 26th, 2021), and the results were negative, I know it does not indicate anything relevant to the exposure but did it as baseline information. Now after 15 days the low-grade fever is back, so far maximum 37.5C, and commonly some hours (3 or 4) after taking my pills, and I can feel a lymph node under my jaw on the left side. Am I seroconverting?
I am too stressed and I cannot do anything apart from worry. Are there any tests I can do at the moment to know my status? I know I should be following up with a doctor but where I live there is a high stigma against homosexuality and HIV so I don’t dare to follow up with a doctor. Your support will be highly appreciated, as I am totally by myself in all of this.
Answer
Hi M,
How are you doing? Starting PEP as early as you did means you are within the time frame for it to be most effective. Also, being the ‘top’ further reduces your risk, as does not ejaculating and there being no presence of blood. Using lubrication further reduces risk as it reduces the risk of abrasion from friction. These factors means it is very unlikely you will test positive for HIV.
As you have mentioned, a test while on PEP is not accurate. This is because PEP can ‘mask’ HIV and will not give a true representation of your status. To be sure you will need to wait 6 weeks until after your course to know your status. In the meantime, this guide discusses feelings of fear and anxiety while awaiting results.
The symptoms you have mentioned are possible signs of seroconversion. Also they are signs of many other infections. Due to how non-specific symptoms are for HIV, it is impossible to say if you are seroconverting. If these symptoms are in association with the time you take PEP, it is more likely a side effect of the medication.
I am sorry to hear that you are in this alone. Do you have any family/friends that you are able to discuss this with? The Terrance Higgin’s Trust in the UK offer an email service that may be suitable in this instance. It is unfortunate to hear about the lack of support you are having from your doctors, but if you become increasingly concerned with your health you need to make sure you speak to them. This is the only way you can be sure of your current state of health.
If you have any further questions please get in touch,
Josh.
Hi Mstf, after PEP you need to wait at least 6 weeks to test to confirm your status. Your most recent test is 95% accurate. For a confirmatory test you will need a further test in 2 weeks. As you have tested negative it is likely that you will remain as such but this second test will be used a confirmation. At 6 weeks a duo test will be required for accuracy.
Hello, I started pep treatment after a suspicious intercourse at the 39th hour. While receiving pep treatment, 12th day hiv combo test negative hiv PCR 226…20 days I continued pep treatment hiv rna negative hiv Duo ultra negative and hiv confirmatory test negative. She was HIV RNA negative on the 5th day after the drug was discontinued. and 1 month after the drug is finished, my hiv Duo ultra-negative final test is 90th day, my hiv test is negative. How many more t
Hi Thein, please follow this link for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Hi m do u postive or negative update plz
Hi ThesillyJ, oral sex carries very low risk of transmission. Saliva has antiviral properties which reduces the ability of HIV to survive. Yes this combination is effective. There is no need to separate the doses and you can take Truvada and isentress at the same time.
At 5 weeks a 4th generation test will be more than 95% accurate. For a conclusive result a test would be required from 6 weeks and onwards using the same type of test.
Hi, i had an exposure at 9 November. Is perform Oral sex to the girl vagina easily get HIV? I not sure i have mouth ulcer. I started PEP (Truvada and isentress) around 24 hours later. I take the PEP right after i went to clinic at 10 November 5pm, then continue at next day around 9am to 10am, is it ok? Then evening i take another Isentress pill at 7pm to 8pm. Every day I continue take the medication at around that timing. It is effective enough for me? I am very worry and feel fear all the time. When can i do the test?
My doctor suggested i can do the test at 5weeks after exposure. Is it accurate enough to be consider negative? Please help me.
Hi Ahmad, yes your test is conclusive. You do not have HIV. Have you spoken with a doctor about the ongoing pain in your arm?
I had an exposure and start PEP within 24hrs, 3 days after Finishing PEP i start having left arm pain for more than 11 weeks and tested negative 80 days after the last dose of the PEP (108 day post exposure) with Abbott determine hiv-1/2 using plasma. is my test conclusive
Hello Saleh, there is no risk in this case. You do not need to be on PEP. As you used a condom throughout this would be protective of transmission. As long as the skin was in tact at the site of blood touching your private part there is no risk.
Please follow this link for more information about testing and transmission: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Hello I’m saleh
I had protected sex,but after the sex I realized stain of blood stain on the condom,but on the hair of my private part seems she was menstruating, I was on top of her while she was lying down.After 3days I took her for test and she tested positive, I IMMEDIATELY go for test too it was negative,then I decide to look for PEP and start taking at the first day though the sex was protective and there was no breakage of the condom,but I was scared because of the menstrual blood stain on the condom and the hair in my private part. what is my faith?