Question
How often can one use PEP for unprotected sex?
28 November 2008. 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
Let us get some things straight. Having unprotected sex with somebody who is known to be positive is like a Russian roulette. You never know when an infection can/will happen. I agree that certain practices are less risky and that there are other factors playing a role, like the viral load of the partner, any other STIs in either of you, etc. Still, every contact in fact, can lead to an infection.
The times you use PEP is not really significant here. What is important is that you may become resistant if you get infected while on a bi-therapy only (triple therapy is used in the UK) and you also limit severely your possible options for treatment in the country where you are after the infection.
Finally, think very seriously about what is more important for you-your life or a relationship with a partner who is ready to threaten your health for a short pleasure. Partnership is about being partners, in other words having equal rights and responsibilities. Again, this is a question of discussion between you and him.
Hope this helps.
All the best!
Hi what’s the difference between prep and pep pills do they work the same?
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.
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
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.
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??
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.
Hy
Its being 6days taking prep..i wanted to know can i have unprotected sex with my positive partner while am still in medication??
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?
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
True partnership is about being partners.