Question
Do I need to extend PEP to have sex with my girlfriend?
12 December 2022. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, PEP/PEPSE, PrEP.
Hi there!
I am currently on my PEP and it will get over by 20th Dec. 2022. in the meantime if I have unprotected sex with my girlfriend on 15th Dec, would I have to extend my PEP regimen? or can I start PrEP from 21st Dec?
What will happen if I don’t start my PrEP?
Answer
Hi, how are you?
While taking PEP you are protected from further exposures of HIV. Is your girlfriend HIV positive? You can finish PEP when expected and switch to PrEP immediately.
If your girlfriend is positive and on treatment with a viral load below 200, there is no risk of transmission. PrEP/condoms would not be needed in this case. This means that when viral load is undetectable, you are undetectable (U=U).
If your girlfriend is not positive, it is recommended to use a condom while on PEP. When taking PEP you are not sure of your own status and not using a condom/girlfriend on PrEP, there is some risk of transmission.
Please see this link for more information about PEP:
https://i-base.info/qa/
Josh.