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. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Ossie, as your partner has mentioned he is on PrEP this would suggest that he is HIV negative.

    As you are on PEP, this will also act as PrEP from other potential exposures throughout the course. You can finish your course of PEP when you were originally expecting to.

  2. ossie •

    Hello Doc, I’m on my 27th day of taking PEP and I’ve had unprotected penetrative sex today. The guy I had sex felt it was alright since he said he is taking PREP, but I have no way of telling, I was the receiver in our intercourse.

  3. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Colby, this is only a mild fever – if it gets worse please speak to your doctor.

    Do you have reason to believe these guys are not undetectable? If they are there is no risk to you and they cannot pass on HIV. This is explained by U=U: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/

    If you are not comfortable and you will feel less anxious on PEP, there is no reason for you to stop if you don’t want to.

  4. Colby •

    Hello,

    I had sex all night last Tuesday and bottomed with a couple of guys who were positive and supposedly undetectable. I got on PEP the next day. I’m on day 6 of pep and have a fever of 99.9. Should I continue taking pep or do you think I have hiv?

    Thanks,

    Colby

  5. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Anthony, while you are on PEP it is not recommended to have sex without a condom. This is because at this moment you are unsure of your status.

    Using a condom or if your partner starts PrEP: https://i-base.info/guides/prep It would be safe to have sex while you are on PEP.

  6. Anthony •

    I’m on my 7th day of pep can I have unprotected sex with my negative partner

  7. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi, while you are on PEP it would be advised to have sex with a condom, or have your parter be on PrEP. This is because you are unsure of your status and unsure how well PEP is working. While transmission would be unlikely, there is still a risk as you do not know your own status.

  8. Ivy •

    Hey am on my 5th day of taking pep,, can I have unprotected sex with my negative partner he is insisting

  9. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Roby, what PEP medication are you taking? Side effects will often stop when you stop taking the medication. Are you able to tolerate the side effects so you can finish your course of PEP? If you finish the course, PEP will have had the best chance of working. This is regardless of the side effects you are experiencing.

  10. Roby •

    Hallo doc.
    I have used pep frequently, in the past it hat little impact on my body, I think the risk was very low, but now, I experience the health effects daily, nausea, tiredness, diarrhoea, though some reduce as days go by.
    My question: after the 28 drug taking days, will I be still safe, or the body will react. My worry.
    Regards