Question

How often can one use PEP for unprotected sex?

28 November 2022. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, PEP/PEPSE.

How often can one use PEP (AZT with 3TC) for unprotected sex?

I have done this three times now (about six months in-between) with my partner as sometimes it is difficult to use a condom and I am afraid to insist that he gets a test done.

So far, I have tested negative.

Will this result in me being resistant to the drugs in future?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi there

Rather than keep needing PEP, most people would talk to their doctor bout using PrEP instead.

This would be much less stressful and would protect your health better.

Please see the link for more information about PrEP:
https://i-base.info/guides/prep

Please see this link for more information about PEP:
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

best wishes

Note: This question from 2008 was updated in 2022.

70 comments

  1. Busi •

    Hi what’s the difference between prep and pep pills do they work the same?

  2. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Dumisani,

    If your viral load is undetectable, there’s no risk. Please see here: http://i-base.info/u-equals-u/

    Resistance occurs if there is an issue with medication or your don’t adhere.

  3. Dumisani •

    I have been having sex for the past one month wth my partner and lm HIV positive on treatment for 5mnths nw and the problem is my partner tested negetive a day ago will this creat resistance or can l transmit if lm on ARVs

  4. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Francis,

    It’s recommended to have an HIV test 28 days after finishing the course of PEP. And it’s not recommended to have condomless sex until your partner knows their HIV status.

    Here’s the link to info about PEP.

  5. Francis •

    Am HIV Negative. My partner has completed 3 weeks of PEP after sustaining a needle prick from a positive client with undetectable viral load. Is it safe for us to practice condomless sex now??

  6. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Lerato,

    It’s recommended that women who are taking PrEP daily should take it on 7 days before having condomless sex. That’s because it can take seven daily doses to get the right levels of PrEP drugs in the vaginal tissue.

    But has your partner been taking HIV treatment? If he has and his viral load is undetectable then the risk to you is zero.

    Please see U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) for lots more info about this.

  7. Lerato •

    Hy

    Its being 6days taking prep..i wanted to know can i have unprotected sex with my positive partner while am still in medication??

  8. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Steve,

    PrEP is very effective at stopping HIV infection. But is your partner on HIV treatment? If their viral load is undetectable, and has been for a few weeks, the risk of transmission is zero.

    Here’s a link to How well does PrEP work? And here’s a link to Is U=U really true?

  9. steve •

    I had sex with my positive partner with no condom use and i am also on prep.is there something that i can add on my cause?what should i do please help

  10. Hardknut •

    True partnership is about being partners.