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asking about the STDs and infection
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STDs & Related Infections
Question #10171
104 days ago
265

asking about the STDs and infection - #10171

reva salu

Hello doctor, I recently had anal intercourse with a male partner, and the condom broke during the act. I was the insertive partner (top) and ejaculated inside him. I'm concerned about the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Could you please advise me on whether I should get tested, and if I need to consider starting PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)?

Age: 25
Chronic illnesses: none
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Doctors’ responses

The breakage of a condom during anal intercourse does pose a risk for the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Since you were the insertive partner, your risk of acquiring STIs like HIV, although lower than the receptive partner, is still present. It’s important to consider the HIV status of your partner; if his status is positive or unknown, you may want to consider PEP, which is a preventive treatment that can reduce the risk of HIV infection when started as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours after potential exposure. PEP generally involves taking antiretroviral medications for 28 days, and you should discuss its appropriateness with a healthcare provider right away. Regarding testing, it’s a good idea to get tested for a full range of STIs, including HIV, even if you elect to start PEP. Initial HIV testing will help establish your baseline status. While testing immediately can provide some early information, it’s also recommended to retest at intervals—specifically, around 4 to 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-exposure—to reliably confirm your HIV status. For other STIs, testing can often be done sooner, as some have shorter incubation periods. OraQuick, for example, is an at-home option for HIV testing (for that baseline) but follow-up with lab testing is key. Pay attention to any unusual symptoms and consult a healthcare provider for a more personalized approach based on your specific circumstances.

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