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. Simon Collins •

    Hi Sabban, PEP is not recommended as a way to protect your partner. Technically, if the PEP doesn’t work, you could have detectable viral load that could put your partner at risk. As with other treatments for sexually transmitted infections, it is recommended not to have sex.

  2. Sabban •

    In case am taking pep ..and having sex with my partner who is negative can ..is there any her to get infected by me ..when am on my pep

  3. Simon Collins •

    Hi Denis

    PEP is not prescribed as a way to prevent further HIV transmission.

    It is prescribed to perhaps reduce the chance that someone becomes HIV positive after a risk.

    If this risk was high, then PEP might not work. Usually, it is not know whether or not PEP is effective until a viral load test 4-6 weeks after the last PEP dose.

  4. Denis •

    I am using pep and am sleeping with a negative partner can she get infect

  5. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Bella,

    By the way, we are not doctors at i-Base. But the answer is yes you can. There is little risk of HIV transmission if you use condoms.

    Please see this page about PEP. After a course of PEP you need to wait 28 days before testing for HIV. This is because PEP can delay infection.

  6. bella •

    Hi doctor, my question is!
    Am I allowed to have protected sex when taking PEP?

  7. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Peter,

    PEP is used to protect against HIV. So if you are HIV negative you can’t have HIV that is drug resistant.

    Perhaps if you think you’re at repeated risk of HIV you can ask about PrEP. Please see this link to info about PEP and PrEP.

  8. Peter •

    Kindly advice me doctor I have been using PEP frequently and so far good .now my question is will I become drug resistant due to the frequent use of it.

  9. Andrew •

    Thats a good guideline

  10. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Busi,

    PrEP and PEP are two different things. Please see here: http://i-base.info/pep-and-prep/