Should I think about taking PEP?

[Starry Night]

To all the experts - Ann, Jonathan, Andy etc...

Just before I post, I just want to thank all the experts for all the information and up-to-date advice you provide on this site. I find it the most reliable and comforting and don't feel the need to look elsewhere..

I had already posted on this site back in March but cannot find my thread so I really apologise for having to start a new one...

I'm writing about a similar incident actually....Last night I had anal sex with a man of unknown hiv status..We used a condom but he pulled out leaving the condom inside me with just the end sticking out. I realised straight away and grabbed the whole condom and pulled it out. My sphincter and all around that area was really 'wet' afterwards but we had used plenty of lube....However, I'm freaking out that the 'wet' I felt could have been semen that slipped out of the end when he withdrew.

So - Is there a risk and, if so, should I go to the hospital and enquire about going on PEP? (It's now been 12 hours after possible exposure)

[Ann]

Starry,

You couldn't find your previous post because it is on the old forum - this one is new as of the end of May and uses totally different software. That's also why you had to re-register.

You don't need PEP for this. You used a condom and that is the right thing to be doing. It is very common for a condom to slip off during withdrawal after ejaculation has taken place and that is why you are supposed to hang on to the end of the condom as you withdraw. I realise that as bottom, you didn't have control over this, but perhaps in future you can be a little more aware that this can happen and take some steps to make sure it doesn't happen, like saying something to your top or holding on to the condom yourself as he withdraws.

You would have only been at risk if the condom broke inside of you, which would have spilled semen inside of you. The inside/outside aspect of this is what is important. A little bit of semen on the outside of your anus is not anything to worry about. Successful hiv transmission happens INSIDE the human body, not outside, and this is why frottage is not a risk.

As the condom only slipped off during withdrawal and was intact, you don't need to worry this time out. Please read through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence and also make sure your tops are using them correctly. Correctly used condoms provide excellent protection against hiv transmission and infection.

As I haven't looked up your old thread, I'll mention something else you need to be aware of. Even if we told you this the first time around, it is worth repeating:

Although you do not need to test or take PEP over this specific incident,  anyone who is sexually active should be having a full sexual health care check-up, including but not limited to hiv testing, at least once a year and more often if unprotected intercourse occurs.

If you aren't already having regular, routine check-ups, now is the time to start. As long as you make sure condoms are being used for intercourse, you can fully expect your routine hiv tests to return with negative results. Don't forget to always get checked for all the other sexually transmitted infections as well, because they are MUCH easier to transmit than hiv.

Rest easy, you didn't have a risk. Keep using those condoms with plenty of lube and you will avoid hiv infection.

Ann

[Starry Night]

Ann,

Thank you so very much for your response.

I think you and the other experts on here are truly remarkable people...The advice you give, the support, comfort and relief you provide to thousands of people on here is unbelievable. A lot of people I know feel it is the best source on hiv education and prevention. It is making many, many people aware that is is absolutely vital we should be taking full responsibility for our own health. It is also helping to reduce the prejudices that still unfortunately affect hiv+ people today.

I thank all of you experts for all your hard work. I know it must be so tiresome having to respond to the same types of fears day in day out, but it truly helps, it really does. Beyond whatever you can imagine...

Lots and lots of best wishes to you all

xxx

[Andy Velez]

Ann gave you the totally straight poop regarding this incident. I'm just chiming in a bit here because when someone is anxious a double helping of reassurance can be a welcome thing.

From what you have described the condom protected you during intercourse and with the back of it sticking out after he withdrew, there wouldn't have been any spillage anally. As long as whoever is the insertive partner is wearing a condom everytime, you are well protected.

There's no cause for further concern nor for testing in relation to this incident.

Cheers,

[Ann]

Starry,

Thank you for your kind words. It's knowing that we do reach some people that keeps me going in this forum - because sometimes I feel like I'm hitting my head against a brick wall.

I'm glad you find this website useful. Please, do your bit and make sure your friends and family know the score where hiv is concerned too. OK? Because that's the best thank-you you can give us. Spread the word!

Ann

[Starry Night]

Hi Andy and Ann,

Thanks so much to both of you - you have both absolutely reassured me!!

I know through my own social circles, that there are tons of people who read the 'lessons' and 'posts' on here without actually feeling the need to post themselves - mainly because you are having to answer the same questions repeatedly time and time again. I do really feel for you there - we all do! I can understand people who feel the need to post a question that has already been addressed for perhaps reassurance, but it's those who continually persist on asking questions over and over and over within the same thread...... Can these people really not see how frustrating and time-consuming it must be for the experts? (However, I must confess, it does sometimes give us a bit of a laugh - sorry to have to say)...

Thank you so much again for impacting and educating us on this pandemic...

On behalf of the many readers who read but do not feel the need to post over and over and over and over..........(within the same thread).

xxxx