Question
I took PrEP one hour before sex.
26 March 2022. Related: Adherence, All topics, PrEP.
I had oral sex but didn’t swallow. I took 2 PrEP only an hour before instead of 2 hours before. I’m missing 2 teeth that have not been filled in yet causing my gums to bleed.
Should I be worried about this because I didn’t take it 2 hours before?
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
No you should not be worried. Oral sex carries a very low risk of transmission. Saliva contains antiviral properties making transmission via oral sex very difficult as the virus is often killed in the saliva.
There is not a reason to be concerned because of the type of sex, however how you took PrEP, it would be unlikely to work. This is because the body needs time to absorb the HIV medication. 1 hour is not long enough to do this, which is why there is a minimum of 2 hours required. It needs this time to build up the level of PrEP within your body to a level that can afford protection.
Josh.
Hi John, no there is no ‘best’ time. As long as PrEP is taken within the 2-24 hour timeframe, PrEP will be effective. There is no time within this window that makes it the best time to take.
I know PrEP should be taken 2 to 24 hours before sex but is there a best time other than that. Say for example 5 hours before offers better protection. Or is it all the same after the 2 hour mark?