Question

Can I finish PEP when originally planned?

27 March 2023. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, PEP/PEPSE, PrEP.

Hi,

I had a sexual encounter with a woman on 8th of March 2023 evening. Before the intercourse, I realised that her vaginal fluid (discharge) was somehow on my penis. But I ignored it and had protected sex with her. After this incident, I got a bit scared and consulted a doctor who prescribed me PEP which I started after 23 hours (9th of March evening). I was on PEP and on 20th of March 2023, I had sex with another woman where the condom broke which I realised after the intercourse. I came home immediately and took the PEP pill within 2 hours. I consulted a doctor and he told me to continue the PEP till the initial 28 days course (starting from 9th of march) is over.

Is this the right treatment method and when can I test to confirm that I am free of any STD? Which tests should I consider?

Answer

Answer: Josh Peasegood

Hi, how are you doing?

Yes your doctor is right. You can finish your course of PEP when originally planned. While on PEP the treatment will also act as PrEP. This means you are protected from further HIV exposures and you are not required to extend the duration of PEP.

Tests for STDs should be discussed with your doctor. Different countries will have different tests/screening for STDs and require different timings and requirements for each test.

You will be able to test for HIV conclusively from 6 weeks after your last dose of PEP using a 4th generation test.

Josh.