[Question #8032] Potential Exposure

49 months ago

Hello,

I recently had protected sex with a person I do not know well. Although we were protected, there was a point the condom slipped off, (not sure if entirely or still covering the head) while having sex, then we stopped and got a new one. There definitely was contact with fluids.
She is a medical professional (dentist) and says she is clean.

Is there any need for a PEP against hiv? Any recommendations?

Regards.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

49 months ago

Welcome to the Forum and thanks for your question. I'll be glad to comment. Congratulations on having discussed the shared risks - this practice will do much to keep you safe. Congratulations as well regarding your commitment to condom-protected sex. Unfortunately, condoms do slip or fail about 1% of the time they are used. As your partner is a health care provider, I agree that your risk for HIV and other STIs is quite low. HIV among women in the U.S. occurs in a small fraction of 1% and your partner sounds to be lower than average risk. If you approached me in my clinic requesting PEP I would decline to provide it based on your history and the fact that your likelihood of medication side effects, although low, is far higher than your risk for acquiring HIV.

I would not worry. Hope these comments are helpful. EWH

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