Had unprotected sex with HIV positive
3 days ago, I had unprotected sex with a positive woman. It lasted like 15 seconds and I ejaculated inside. She then told me she was positive and that she hasn't been on treatment for several years (I strongly believe she never took treatment) as she is 57 and has drug problems, so I suspect her viral load is significantly high.
I started taking PEP 24 hours after the exposure, but I am afraid of the risk I was exposed to as I was told by the doctor that PEP was most efective within 6 hours after exposure.
Now my fear is of the actual risk of the exposure that happened a few days ago as I can't stand thinking everything now solely depends on whether PEP is effective. I read risk is low but that it exponentially rises in high viral loads.
Thank you.
, I'm glad you posted, let us know how you're doing today. It can help to hear from others when you're waiting for your test. We aren't medical professionals who could assess your risk, but we can provide some information I hope will be helpful. You're right that the sooner PEP is started, the better it is at protecting you. This article notes PEP works the most effectively if it can be started within 24 hours of exposure, and it sounds like you were - https://h-i-v.net/pep . More. on types of transmission risk here - https://h-i-v.net/transmission-risks It is very good to hear you didn't wait too long and that PEP was available - it's a good sign.
Waiting is the really difficult part. Be aware we find a lot of misinformation about HIV online, and a lot of judgment and stigma. Feel free to ask questions here and we can send you reputable information. We're here if you need a listening ear, take care - Liz (Team Member)Hello LizGreen
Thank you very much for your reply. I am very grateful.
I am spending bad nights, but yesterday I started Clonazepam as an anxiety treatment, at least for sleeping well as I need to be well rested in order to make all the steps forward (doctor visits, tests...).
My main wonder, apart from whether PEP will work or not after 24 hours, is if the short time exposure (15 seconds) actually has anything to do with HIV risks.
When looking at statistics, I use to think average exposures are way longer (maybe over 5-10 minutes), and that maybe a 15 seconds exposure (despite ejaculating inside) is a positice factor for risk reduction, but all studies I read so far only conclude that a very brief exposure (for example after condom breakage) represents a risk for HIV, I can't find any study that studies correlation between HIV risks and exposure (sex act) duration.
Again, thank youHi
. On top of the excellent information from Liz, I want to share with you this article from the CDC which states that "If taken within 72 hours after possible exposure, PEP is highly effective in preventing HIV:" https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/pep/about-pep.html. I do want to note that various sources say that PEP should be taken no later than 72 hours after exposure. Also, while ejaculation is known to increase risk for the receiver, I was unable to find any research speaking to the risk, increased or decreased, for the ejaculator. Hope this information is helpful and that you are managing the anxiety. Please feel free, if you like, to keep us posted on how you are doing. This community is here for you. Best, Richard (Team Member)
First you are so smart to go on PEP right after the encounter. Have you taken an HIV test yes although it's probably too soon, and they would recommend you test again three months after unprotected sex. If you eventually test positive depending on what state you live in there might be laws that she broke not being on meds and possibly exposing you to HIV. Also in your favor females are less likely to pass it to males.
