HomeAnswersHIV/AIDS specialisthiv risk factorsHad sex during periods. Can this lead to HIV infection?

Is it possible to get HIV due to sex during periods?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Hemalatha

Published At March 8, 2020
Reviewed AtDecember 21, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 22 years old. My height is 5 feet 11 inches and weight is 200.462 lbs. I had a condom on and I did not know that she was on her period. As there was blood on the condom, I removed it and had a new one. We had sexual intercourse again and again until she was bleeding badly. As far as I remember, the condom did not break both times. But, she cleaned her vagina and without proper washing she gave hand job and I ejaculated. Can I get HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) from the above act? Is there any possibility that the virus transmitted with her hand to my penis as her hands could have period blood on them and there was no lubricant involved while hand job? If so, what is the risk probability? Can blood on the condom somehow get to the foreskin of the penis? Could that blood transmit HIV? The exposure happened 48 hours ago and started PEP (Post-exposure Prophylaxis) after 7 hours of exposure. I am on Tafero EM and Ritocom. Am I taking the correct medicine? Am I safe?

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

HIV does not get spread through such acts. In case there was any tear in the condom, the blood can seep through and put you at risk. There is a risk in such exposure and it may range from 0.03 % to 0.5 %. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) if started within 72 hours, then it would be helpful. Your PEP prescription is fine.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have started PEP after 7 hours of exposure. The medicines are N-andro Sachet, UB safe, Nucoq, Ritocom and Tafero EM. Are these medicines suggested for PEP? As I have started PEP within 7 hours, would I not get infected with HIV? Can these medicines of PEP cause dangerous side effects if I am HIV negative? I have neck pain since I have started PEP.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

PEP has to be taken for only 28 days. It drastically reduces the chance of acquiring HIV after exposure. There is no guarantee that it will totally prevent it, however, the chances are very low. Your PEP medication list is fine and it will not cause any dangerous side effects.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

If I am HIV negative or say the girl is HIV negative and still I am on PEP, can PEP cause damage to my body? Will the medicines cause any liver or kidney damage? How to assure myself that I am HIV negative?

Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com.

HIV medication does have side effects, especially issues with the liver in a few patients, apart from vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, etc. It would need adequate monitoring. PEP is generally given only for four weeks and stopped after that. Inadvertent prolonging the treatment would put you at risk of side effects without an established diagnosis and CD4 count assessment. It is very tough to assess whether there was body fluid exchange in your case. It is best to wait for 12 weeks before getting the confirmatory test done and not to guess too much before it.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula

Dermatology

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