[Question #12960] Encounter while taking PEP

3 months ago

Hi Doctors, I have been having anxiety around an encounter that is over a year old and would love your advice.

In January 2024 I (male)started pep within 24 hours of receiving anal sex from another male (the condom broke). Around 15 days into taking PEP I had sex with a female regular partner. I completed my pep and have been testing negative for the past year (my most recent test was yesterday)

1. Is it possible that I transmitted hiv to my female partner even though I’m negative?

2. I consulted my pep councilor but she just said “don’t worry about that” and sent me on my way.

3. Lately my husband partner has been complaining about joint pain in her knees. Is this a symptom of HIV?

4. Ever since I completed pep, I have been having unprotected sex with her. If she had hiv is it likely that I would have tested positive by now?

5. In theory is it possible to transmit HIV to someone while I am on PEP? (Eg. there is virus in my body that went to her before the pep cleared it from me)?

Much appreciated

Edward W. Hook M.D.

3 months ago

Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for your question. By chance I happened to come onto the Forum soon after your question arrived. Follow-ups will take longer. I'll be glad to comment. Much of your question has to do with whether or not a person to acquire HIV while taking PEP. The answer is no. The medications used for PEP are, if anything, more potent that HIV PrEP and are virtually completely effective for preventing HIV acquistion while taking them. Your tests have proven you did not acquire HIV, thus you could not have transmitted infection to anyone else. In response to your specific questions:

1. Is it possible that I transmitted hiv to my female partner even though I’m negative?

See my response above. No!! there is an internet myth that persons taking anti-HIV medications (PEP or PrEP) can carry HIV to other people without becoming infected themselves. /This is scientifically impossible

2. I consulted my pep councilor but she just said “don’t worry about that” and sent me on my way.

Sorry the she didn't offer more explanation. I suspect she had gotten tired of trying to correct the misinformation so widespread on the internet. We spend much of out time on the Forum doing the same thing.

3. Lately my husband partner has been complaining about joint pain in her knees. Is this a symptom of HIV?

4. Ever since I completed pep, I have been having unprotected sex with her. If she had hiv is it likely that I would have tested positive by now?

Most probably

5. In theory is it possible to transmit HIV to someone while I am on PEP? (Eg. there is virus in my body that went to her before the pep cleared it from me)?

See my comments above. This is scientifically impossible

I hope this information is helpful. Please don't worry. EWH

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