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Does starting PEP within 72 hours prevent HIV?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My condom broke when having sex. I am afraid of HIV ( human immunodeficiency virus). If post-exposure prophylaxis has started within 72 hours of exposure, it can reduce the potentiality of HIV. Can I get post-exposure prophylaxis treatment?

Thanks.
Answered by Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra is a Community Medicine Specialist dedicated to promoting public health and preventive care. His expertise includes epidemiology, health education, disease prevention programs, community health assessments, and policy planning. He is committed to improving population health outcomes through research, awareness campaigns, and evidence-based interventions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. The chances of transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) by single unprotected intercourse are low. A condom break can be considered almost as unprotected intercourse. If the person is likely to have multiple partners, you can consult your doctor for further risk assessment and the need for post-exposure prophylaxis. PEP must be initiated as early as possible, not after 72 hours of exposure. Before PEP initiation baseline assessment, tests for HIV are needed. PEP is a prescription medicine. So please consult your doctor, dermatologist, or physician for further risk assessment and management.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At August 3, 2023
Reviewed At December 2, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra is a Community Medicine Specialist dedicated to promoting public health and preventive care. His expertise includes epidemiology, health education, disease prevention programs, community health assessments, and policy planning. He is committed to improving population health outcomes through research, awareness campaigns, and evidence-based interventions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Dermatology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra is a Community Medicine Specialist dedicated to promoting public health and preventive care. His expertise includes epidemiology, health education, disease prevention programs, community health assessments, and policy planning. He is committed to improving population health outcomes through research, awareness campaigns, and evidence-based interventions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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