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 Tafadzwa, as you have a viral load below 200 there is no risk to your partner. You cannot pass on HIV via sex. This is explained by U=U: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/ When your viral load is this low you do not need to use condoms/your partner does not need PrEP/PEP.

  2. Tafadzwa •

    Hie. May i ask, i am the one who is infected and my partner is negative and we had unprotected sex and went to buy pep of which we were given TLD and she started taking it. Now we had unprotected sex more than 5 times. My viral load is at 80 am worried. Is she at risk ?

  3. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Anold, yes you can re-use PEP. PEP can be used as many times as required. If you are finding that you need PEP often, have you considered PrEP? This is a pill you can take daily or as and when and is used to prevent transmission. PrEP: https://i-base.info/guides/prep

  4. Anold •

    Hi,can I re-use pep after getting exposed to un protected sex in a period of six months?

  5. Simon Collins •

    Hi Dorothy, if your husband was unlucky and the PEP didn’t work, these drugs delay HIV infection. This means that one day would be too early for you to be at risk. It is also the reason why your husband needs to wait for 6 weeks after the PEP to take an HIV test. PEP is usually very effective but this needs the HIV test to confirm.

  6. Dorothy •

    Hi,
    My partner was taking pep for 30 days of which he completed on the 30th of this month but on that same day at midnight we had sexual inter course of course with protection but the condom broke.. How safe am I …note that his exposure was that someone’s blood entered his mouth during an accident at work although he spit and washed his mouth but he started pep aswell..kindly help

  7. Simon Collins •

    Hi Nancy. Does the PEP includes tenofovir and either lamivudine or emtricitabine? If yes, this the PEP will protect you against HIV if you have tkane more than seven daily doses of PEP. Please note that we are not doctors and you should discuss this with your doctor.

  8. Nancy •

    Hi doctor I am on PEP and I had unprotected sex again while am on PEP – what should I do?

  9. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Victor, as long as you started PEP within 72 hours of the first potential exposure, it will be most effective.

  10. Victor •

    Hello,My condom bursted while having sex with a partner of unknown status,the following I had raw sex but I went for pep that day I had raw sex,will they work?