I Had A Lack Of Judgement And Had Sex With

Posted on Sun, 5 Apr 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 5 Apr 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I had a lack of judgement and had sex with a prostitute unprotected vaginal sex, the experience may have lasted 2-3 minutes. She is known to have unprotected sex usually. I am also uncircumcised.

I had her take an oraquick HIV test and the test came out negative for HIV. I spoke to an ER doc and he said the risk was low but prescribed Truvada and Tivica for 28 days. After reading the side effects, XXXXXXX hump, liver damage, kidney damage I began to get worried about the treatment.

I asked two other doctors (one ER) and (one HIV specialist here) and the ER doc said the risk is too low, there was no traumatic sex and to not take the PEP, but the HIV specialist said to take the PEP.

So I was looking for a 3rd opinion, I’m worried about the side effects XXXXXXX jump, liver and kidney damage. And also, was I prescribed a proper course of PEP? (Truvada and Tivica)? I am very my anxious and nervous...

Also are there any long term side effects from taking PEP?

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The risk of getting HIV is very less.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Welcome to Ask a Specialist Service.

You had unprotected vaginal sex with a prostitue for 2-3 minutes which carries very low risk because transmission of virus through such single short unprotected exposure is very unlikely. You tested your partner after the incidence and she tested negative which is also in your favour so just calm down and allay the fear or anxiety related to HIV.

PEP should be started within 72 hours of exposure otherwise it is of no use but I don't think PEP is needed in your case. If still you are concerned or worried a lot about the exposure then better to continue the PEP for your mental satisfaction. The drugs prescribed by the physician are absolutely fine and there are few side effects of these drugs but it doesn't mean that you will have surely develop these side effects so don't think too much.

The window period for HIV infection varies from 15 days to 3 months so I recommend you to get tested after one and three months with 4th generation HIV Duos test to confirm your status. If still you have any doubt please feel free to ask me again any time. Be relaxed, try to forget the episode and move on in life without any fear.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (2 hours later)

Thank you doctor, I started PEP before the 72 hour window. I was planning to take and monitor my symptoms, however the side effects of the medicine are worrisome.

I saw immune system recombination? Which leads to autoimmune disease, can this effect fertility?

I will have to think hard on whether to continue medication or not with low risk... I just don’t want to take risky medicine for no reason.

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The PEP medicines are not risky as such.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.

PEP medicines are usually prescribed for post exposure prophylaxis of HIV so these are not risky as such and the drugs don't have any direct effect on fertility so don't get anxious or worried. You can continue the medicines and get tested after one month to know your status. If still any query is there you can ask me again.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (4 hours later)

The Oraquick test said 3 months after risky exposure. So i know for sure at least 3 months ago she was negative, and I’ve read off box that it can detect antibodies up to 4 weeks (but not written on box). She does use condom during sex from my understanding. I guess the chance of her being infected then infecting me is low still correct?

Also, do you know of anyone experiencing long term side effects from PEP? Or do people’s bodies return to normal function like before staring PEP.

If in my situation, would you continue the PEP or discontinue?

Thank you so much for your help doctor! I really appreciate it.

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
In my opinion there is no need of PEP for you.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Welcome back once again.

The rapid oraquick test of your partner was negative means she was risk free before 3 months and it also detects anti bodies within 4 weeks also. As I already said not every one experienced side effects with PEP and as per my opinion there is no need of PEP in your exposure but if you started then better to complete it for 28 days without any fear.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (3 hours later)

Sorry, error in before (she regularly does not wear condom).

Thank you again for your advise.

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get tested after one month of exposure to relieve your anxiety.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

You are anxious enough about HIV after your exposure so it is better to continue the PEP and get tested after one month with 4th generation HIV Duos test for your mental satisfaction. The result after 4 weeks is also considered highly reliable so just calm down till one month, forget the episode and move on in life without any fear.

Thank You

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj