Question
Can I have sex while on PEP?
29 July 2022. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, PEP/PEPSE.
Island of Guan. I am HIV negative and had sex with a sex worker (Chinese massage lady) on the island of Guam on Sunday in the mid to late afternoon. It was penis to vaginal sex, only inserted the tip, I am circumcised and petroleum based oil generously was used.
I have a high suspicion she maybe sick (the sex worker), and the Chinese here often are a neglected part of society and the the local population are incredibly abusive with a high crime and drug rate that often goes unreported.
I received my exposure battery of tests and started PEP Tuesday, the multi-drug PEP was started in the 38 to 44 hour range. I feel terrible that I betrayed my girlfriend. She flys to visit me on August 5th. This will be day 11 of PEP and 13 days from my exposure. Is she as risk of having HIV from me if I am infected?
My girlfriend and I both know our statuses (negative) and we have never used condoms, and she will know I have betrayed her trust, and I am going to tell her, because it’s the right thing to do. I don’t want to put her life in danger for my foolishness and giving into temptation.
Please post this so I may read your response, because I’m terribly worried. Thank you.
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
While you are on PEP you cannot be sure of your own HIV status. For this reason there is some risk to your girlfriend if you have sex without a condom.
While there are a number of factors that are protective against your initial exposure e.g., using a lubricant and being circumcised, without knowing their own status it is impossible to be sure of their status – though they are more likely HIV negative and this would be considered a more low risk exposure.
If your girlfriend is willing to use a condom or be on PrEP, there will be no risk to her.
Josh.
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