Scared of PEP failure, please help

[noname8387]

I went to a hook up site for the first time. I tried to bottom and made sure he used protection but after a few seconds the condom broke, so we stopped after he let me know (a few moments passed in between because I heard it pop but did not realize what had happened).

I have no idea about their status. I was able to get PEP 14 hours later. I was prescribed Biktarvy for 28 days.

I took all 30 pills within the same 2 hours each day, except for one day 2 weeks in, when I had to take it 6 hours late.

It's been 2 weeks since I ran out of pills and my throat has been hurting for days so that has raised my anxiety.

I specially feel vulnerable because we had no lube and I fear there was a tear making the transmission easier. I also tend to bleed very easily even wiping.

He did not ejaculate (I think) since it was just a few seconds, but the tear in the condom was huge (and I did feel some pain so maybe there was a tear in my wall as well.

Side note: other milder symptoms (but could be anything) have been change in temperature (but not full on fever) and itchiness/discomfort around lymph nodes and neck).

Please advice.

[Jim Allen]

Hiya,

You had a potential exposure, however, until the condom broke it would have been protecting you and taking the dose a few hours late on one of the days will make no difference.

PEP is highly effective, and if what you posted was your only potential exposure I would fully expect a non-reactive result when you test.

Now as you have finished the course test to know your HIV status. Test at 6 weeks post finishing PEP with a blood drawn (Lab) HIV antibodies test, this result would rarely ever change. If you want you can retest at 3 months for peace of mind.

Regarding your symptoms, nothing mentioned is HIV specific at all. See your healthcare provider and treat whatever is making you sick instead of stressing about it.

Here's what you need to know to avoid HIV infection:
Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, every time, no exceptions. Consider talking to your healthcare provider about PrEP as an additional layer of HIV protection

Keep in mind that some sexual practices described as ‘safe’ in terms of HIV might still pose a risk for transmission of other STI's, so please do get tested regularly and at least yearly for all STI's including but not limited to HIV and test more frequently if unprotected intercourse occurs

Also, note that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms and, the only way of knowing is by testing.

Kind regards

Jim

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[noname8387]

Hi, I am pretty sure I have oral thrush, and that is another indicator isn't it? I don't want to be positive

[Jim Allen]

Thrush is common enough that nearly every adult regardless of HIV status will experience this overgrowth at some stage.

See your healthcare provider and treat it.

As for your HIV status test when due, in the meantime, live your life as normal.

[noname8387]

Hi Jim, I appreciate all your help. Quick update:

Today I was able to get a test done. I couldn't wait much longer.

It is 2 weeks post-pep, 6 weeks post-exposure.

You recommended a vein-blood one but they only give those to people who show positive in the finger prick.

I also don't know if it was a 3rd or 4th gen test.

But it came negative! Though I know it is not conclusive.

I still need to go there in another 2-4 weeks.

[Jim Allen]

Look any non-reactive result is always good news, however, do make sure to retest and if they only have rapid tests the general rule would be to test 3 months post PEP instead of 6 weeks.

P.S

In the meantime whilst waiting to test, live your life as normal, try not to focus or stress about it as it's not going to change the outcome and as I mentioned before I fully expect a non-reactive result. Just test to confirm.