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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
I’m on my 7th day of pep can I have unprotected sex with my negative partner
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.
Hey am on my 5th day of taking pep,, can I have unprotected sex with my negative partner he is insisting
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.
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