[Question #12818] Worried

4 months ago

Hi doctors, I 22 male, need you advice about the risk to my partner. Here’s the situation:

- in August of 2024 I had receptive anal sex with a male who is not my partner. The condom ripped

- I went on PEP with 24 hours

- during pep I kept having unprotected sex with my regular partner.

- ever since then all of my tests have been negative (most recent test was this week March 2025)

I am now worried about exposure to my regular partner

Questions:

1. Is it possible that I could have given him hiv even though I never tested positive?

2. Could I have had hiv in my system that transmitted to him before the pep cleared it out.

3. I asked google AI, and they said there is a theoretical possibility. But I saw a Quora post from Jill Gatwood who is an infectious disease doctor who said it’s not possible. I’m not sure what to believe.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

4 months ago

Welcome to our Forum. Thanks for your questions. I'll be glad to comment. Sorry to hear of your condom mishap. Condoms break about 1% of the time they are used. Breakage rates are slightly higher with new partners and in the context of rectal intercourse. You did everything right. The risk of infection, even if your partner had HIV was less than 1% IF your partner had untreated HIV (you do not know that your casual partner had untreated HIV and statistically it is unlikely) and your use of PEP lowers your risk still more.

1. Is it possible that I could have given him hiv even though I never tested positive?

No. Your tests prove that you did not acquire HIV. There is no chance that you transmitted infection to your regular partner.

2. Could I have had hiv in my system that transmitted to him before the pep cleared it out.

No. There is an internet myth that persons can have HIV circulating and transmit infection to others without have a positive test. This is untrue and part of the reason we urge our clients to stay away from the internet when seeking information regarding HIV and HIV risk.

See my comment above about the internet. There is just too much misinformation there. It is NOT theoretically possible.

Please don't worry. You have proven you were not infected and thus your partner is not at risk. No need for continuing concern, no need for further testing. EWH

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4 months ago

Thank you so much doctor! Your r response really talked me down from anxiety. So just to confirm and put this behind me:

1. Since I am still testing negative more than 7 months after, I never had hiv, and never could have given it to my regular partner?

2. Those on effective pep never have hiv circulating in their system?

3. From a medical necessity standpoint- do I need to disclose to my partner that I was potentially exposed?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

4 months ago

These are repetitive question. The answer will not change

1. Correct

2. Correct

3. At this point, there is no need to tell your partner of your exposure

EWH

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