HomeAnswersHIV/AIDS specialisthivI had started PEP after having umprotected sex with a sex worker. What is my risk of getting HIV?

What are the chances of getting HIV after having unprotected sex with a sex worker?

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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.

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Published At January 12, 2024
Reviewed AtFebruary 2, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had unprotected sex with a sex worker. I had also started my PEP on the same day. I am still on PEP with no symptoms or side effects. What is my risk of getting HIV?

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understood your concern.

The chances of transmission of HIV by single unprotected intercourse are low. Condom break can be considered almost as unprotected intercourse. If the person is HIV-negative then there is no chance of transmission of HIV.

It is good that PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) has been initiated and you are adherent to the doses. PEP reduces the risk further to almost nil.

There are factors like type of risk exposure, further risk exposures, and adherence to PEP which can influence the success of PEP.

If there are no further risk exposures or risk behaviors and the PEP course is completed successfully, the chances of seroconversion are less than 1 % according to studies.

So, I suggest you continue PEP. Please go for HIV tests after PEP and after 90 days of exposure.

Hope it helps.

Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for replying.

Do you think I will be safe and can I feel confident ?

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In my opinion you would be safe. The chances of HIV tests coming positive later in your scenario would be almost nil.

Hope it helps.

Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Also, I did not get tested for any STDs. Can I start taking Doxy for seven days?

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Usually, a baseline test for HIV has to be done to be sure that you did not have HIV prior to the episode. You can go for it now too.

I suggest you consult a specialist doctor, talk with them, and take medicines with their consent.

Hope it helps.

Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your reply.

My test reports are all normal. I noted mild testicular pain. What to do?

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Except for mild testicular pain, there are no other symptoms. All other STD tests are negative too. So it would be better to observe rather than take antibiotics. I suggest you finish PEP and do HIV tests. After 90 days, please repeat all STD tests including HIV.

Hope it helps.

Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your reply.

I will follow the same.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Wishing you good health.

Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had back acne which became better last month due to the course of Doxy. But I noted today a new skin rash that looks like acne on my back. I have no other symptoms.

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Back lesions appear like acne. Clean the area with warm water twice daily. Observe it for a few days. It may be some minor allergy or infection.

Hope it helps.

Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your reply.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you.

Wish you good health.

Take care.

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

Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Dermatology

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