[Question #8480] [Question #8343] HIV Risk + PEP Followup

43 months ago

Hello,

So given the advice from Dr. Handsfield, I retested again 58 days (86 days post-exposure) after the last dose of PEP with a fourth generation test. It came back negative thankfully. My question is this result conclusive? Dr. Handsfield as well as Dr. Hook, I see you have said 6 weeks after the last dose of PEP is conclusive. 58 days post pep is 8 weeks correct, and 12 weeks post exposure? I do not need to do anymore tests, and can move on from this? I thought that this test would put an end to my anxiety and worry, but it has come back hard recently to be honest. I forgot to mention, I had anal insertive sex a few days before this potential exposure with someone else, said they were negative, and it was with a condom and they asked me if I was negative too. This would have been 90 days post-exposure from that event, this last test. Given that this potential exposure was before the one I was discussing, would this be a concern? And lastly, I have begun to date a girl, and I'm wondering if I am safe to have sexual relations with her? I was a bit weary and have held off with just my test immediately after PEP negative, but what about now?

Thanks,

Edward W. Hook M.D.

43 months ago

Welcome back to the forum. I’ll be glad to affirm the information that Dr. Handsfield has already provided. In preparing to answer this question, I reviewed your earlier interactions with Dr. Handsfield and agree entirely with his science-based advice. You can rest assure that you did not acquire HIV from the exposure that you initially posted about. In addition, any earlier exposures would have likewise provided positive test results. It is now time for you to except your test results with complete confidence and move forward without concern. You did not acquire HIV from the exposure you have described, nor from any earlier exposures.

I see no reason related to the exposures you described to Dr. Handsfield or any earlier exposures to hesitate to have unprotected sexual contact with your new partner. You would not be putting them at risk. Believe your test results. EWH

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43 months ago

Okay, Dr. Hook thanks. I guess all the conflicting information I see online about window periods, has been a major factor in my anxiety (3 months, 6 months, etc). Are these dates more geared towards the older tests like 3rd generation? I hope to finally put this behind me now and move on. And you said you've never seen or heard of anyone testing negative 6 or more weeks from last dose of pep with a fourth generation test, that later has went on to test positive, granted no further exposures right? And you, Dr. Handsfield, and a number of other experts are in agreement of this fact?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

43 months ago

The internet is not your friend here. Much of what you find there is out of date, taken out of context, or just plain wrong, With regard to the efficacy of PEP, things are further complicated by the fact that failures are so very rare and many sources are overly conservative, feeling that they cannot "afford" to be wrong. Our answers stand. Neither of us has ever seen or heard of someone who was negative 6 weeks after completion of PEP who went on to develop infection originating from the exposures that led them to take PEP. I urge you to believe your tests and move forward. EWH ---

43 months ago

Thanks Dr. Hook, I will try my best to move forward and put this behind me. Really appreciate it.