hello doctors. long term fan of Handsfield and Hook, you've both done a lot to help alleviate anxiety. im a gay man who started prep (descovy) three months ago. last night i had condom protected anal sex (insertive top) and afterwards noticed a couple of small drops of blood on the condom. (no breakage, did the water test) the presense of blood still made me nervous enough to ask if you view this as a protected incident. my partner says he is negative and on prep as well, but i figured id ask for my own peace of mind. there was very little slippage on the condom and it covered the head of my penis the entire time. anyway thats my question, willing to start pep or go get ice cream pending your response. thank you for you time.

Welcome to our forum and thanks for your question as well as your confidence in our service. I’ll be glad to comment. Taking PrEP virtually illuminates any risk of acquiring HIV through unprotected penetrative sexual activity.  The fact that you are currently taking PrEP virtually guarantees that you were at no risk for acquisition of HIV through the sex act that you describe, even if your partner did happen to have untreated HIV infection.  Your use of a condom adds to the protection not only for HIV but, importantly, for acquisition of other STI’s such as Gonorrhea, chlamydia, or Syphilis.   The presence of blood on the outside of the condom in no way changes this, still no risk.  ---

thank you Dr. Dook for your time and thoughtful answer. today just got 100x's better. i have been a devout cookies and cream man  my whole life, but you may have just converted me. be well!

It is my pleasure to help.  I like cookies and cream as well.  Stay safe. EWH ---