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 Jimmie, PEP will still work to prevent transmission of HIV. What is the name of the PEP you have been taking? As you have never missed a dose there is no risk of HIV transmission from any potential exposure you have had with your current partner.
It is important that you do both test. Even if there is little to no risk of either of you being HIV positive, testing is important so you can be aware of your own HIV status and look after your own health.
HIV testing and transmission: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Hie please.i have been dating this girl I never trusted.we have been on a sexual relationship since January last year.we have been having unprotected six ever since.but from the day we started having sex I have been taking pep all the tym I have never missed a day.the place I am staying there’s only pep available no prep.so should I worry or should I stop taking pep? Now am afraid to go for a test with her or alone.i have been taking pep as prep coz that’s all I have been affording
Hi John, as your parter had an undetectable viral load there is no risk of transmission. It is impossible to pass on HIV. This is called U=U.
You had also started PEP within 72 hours meaning the course of treatment is effective. There is no risk to you.
U=U: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
PEP: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Hi, I had an unprotected sex with someone who is undetectable and having a low viral load, but then it took me 15hours to get PEp which was recommended for 28days. Today is my first day of taking the PEp. How safe am I??
Hi Purity, you do not need to do anything. While on PEP it will work like PrEP and you are protected from further exposures. You can continue with your course of PEP normally and complete the course as originally expected.
For more information about PEP please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Am on my pep for 2 weeks now.. and I had unprotected sex with hiv victim.. what should I do
Hi Ken, as you have started PEP within 72 hours of the exposure it will be effective.
PEP: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
My name is Ken. I had unprotected sex with an infected person without knowing. I realized and went to the health care after 16hrs. I was tested and my result was negative. I was then introduced to Pep immediately. I’m worried whether this will help me out. Please I need your advice. This is my 5th day on pep.
Hi Izzy, how long have you waited since finishing the 12 days? If you have waited more than 1 day there would be no benefit in continuing with Atenef. This is because it is a medication that needs to be taken daily to be effective.
Did your pharmacy say why they recommended 20 days? PEP is a course of treatment that should be offered for 28 days.
PEP: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Hi please I need help I had recently exposed with someone who I don’t trust in the morning I went to the pharmacy they given me Atenef I was supposed to drink it 20 days as they told me but I did 12 days, can I continue the 8 days that remain or should I stopped I’m a bit afraid please