Steps for Getting PEP Medication After HIV Risk Exposure

When engaging in unprotected sex or any sexual activity that increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or you encounter a broken condom, don’t ignore the situation. Even if there are no immediate symptoms, you should see a doctor or specialist health provider straight away and get PEP medication (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) to maximize your protection against HIV.

Situations That Put You at Risk of HIV

Many people think that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are uncommon or unlikely to affect them. However, once infected, individuals often face significant stress, including physical discomfort, social stigma, and emotional pain. Therefore, STIs can greatly affect a person’s mental health and social life.

When you understand that STIs are something you can prevent and manage like any other health condition, you can protect yourself. If you suspect you may have been exposed to an STI, it’s crucial to see a doctor or specialist for testing and treatment. Early action helps prevent long-term health impacts, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and HPV.

However, one of the more concerning STIs is HIV, which can lead to AIDS. HIV has no cure, and treatment focuses on managing the infection to delay the progression to AIDS (read more on the difference between HIV and AIDS.) There is currently no vaccine for HIV, but there is PEP medication, a form of emergency HIV prevention. 

If you have been involved in any of the following, you should see a specialist to assess your situation, get tested for HIV, and take action immediately if infected:

• Unprotected sex, especially with someone whose HIV status is unknown
• Condom breakage or leakage during sex
• Sharing needles, whether intentional or accidental
• Coming into contact with the blood or bodily fluids of someone who is HIV-positive or may be at risk
• HIV-positive mothers passing the virus to their child

Steps for Taking Emergency HIV Medication (PEP) After Unprotected Sex

If you’ve had unprotected sex, don’t panic or hide from the situation. Stay calm and follow these steps: 

1. See a doctor or specialist within 72 hours
2. Take PEP: PEP is an emergency HIV prevention medication and must be taken immediately under a doctor’s supervision. 
3. Get tested for STIs: Comprehensive testing should be done for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, along with testing for immunity against hepatitis B. Even if no infection is detected, you should get follow-up tests because there is a period when infections may not be detected. HIV tests should be repeated at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Syphilis tests should be repeated at 3 months and 6 months, and hepatitis B and C tests at 6 months.
4. Start treatment if infected: Early treatment can prevent severe complications and other co-existing diseases.
5. Follow-up: Follow your doctor’s advice for additional tests and monitoring, especially if you are at risk or show symptoms.

Understanding PEP Medication and How to Take It Correctly

What is PEP? PEP, or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, is an emergency HIV prevention medication. It is taken in cases of possible HIV exposure, such as unprotected sex, a condom breaking, or sharing needles. PEP can reduce the risk of HIV infection by 80-90%, and it is most effective when taken within 72 hours after exposure. However, PEP is not a treatment for an existing HIV infection. If you are already infected, PEP will not prevent the virus from progressing.

How to Take PEP Correctly

• Take PEP within 72 hours after possible exposure. Its effectiveness decreases the longer you wait.
• Continue taking PEP for 28 days under your doctor’s supervision.