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Do I need PEP on this scenario?
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STDs & Related Infections
Question #18841
67 days ago
167

Do I need PEP on this scenario? - #18841

John

I had vaginal sex with my new girlfriend about [X hours/days ago]. We used a condom, which stayed intact. After sex, I noticed a small amount of vaginal fluid inside the condom that may have touched the tip of my penis. There were no cuts, sores, or bleeding on my penis. I did not ejaculate outside the condom. My girlfriend tested negative for HIV recently, but she told me she had unprotected sex about two weeks ago. I’m here to ask whether I need PEP or any follow-up tests.

Age: 38
300 INR (~3.53 USD)
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Doctors' responses

Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
67 days ago
5

Hello,

This is considered a protected exposure. Even if a small amount of vaginal fluid touched the intact skin of the penis tip, HIV cannot enter through healthy, unbroken skin.

No realistic HIV risk👍

🛑If you want peace of mind, you may do a 4th-generation HIV test at 6 weeks, but this is only for reassurance, not because there is real risk

PEP must be used when:

High-risk exposures include: Unprotected vaginal or anal sex Condom break/slip with a partner who is HIV-positive or status unknown Needle sharing Blood exposure to open wound

Feel free to talk Thank you

1026 answered questions
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1 replies
John
Client
67 days ago

Dr. Arsha, thank you.

Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat
I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.
63 days ago
5

Hello John Thanks for sharing all these details—let’s break it down:

Risk Assessment: - You used a condom that stayed intact, which is highly effective at preventing HIV and most STIs. - There was no visible damage to the condom, and no cuts or sores on your penis. - Your girlfriend recently tested negative for HIV, but had unprotected sex about two weeks ago, which means there’s a small window period where a new infection might not show up on her test yet.

Do you need PEP? - PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is generally recommended only for high-risk exposures, such as condom breakage, visible blood, or direct contact with open sores. - In your case, since the condom was intact and there was no direct exposure to blood or open wounds, the risk is extremely low—almost negligible. - The presence of vaginal fluid on the outside of the condom or at the tip (without condom failure) does not significantly increase risk.

What should you do? - You do not need PEP based on what you’ve described. - For peace of mind, you can consider getting an HIV test at 4 weeks and again at 12 weeks after the encounter, as per guidelines. - If you develop any symptoms (fever, rash, sore throat, swollen glands), or if you’re still anxious, feel free to ask.

Thank you

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Dr. Nirav Jain
I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.
60 days ago
5

Hello John, I understand your worry. According to what you have explained, you are at a negligible risk of contracting HIV. If your girlfriend’s other partner can get his test done, it’ll be safe for both your girlfriend and yourself.

Also monitor for symptoms, like rash, any skin changes, any painful/painless wound, etc.

Feel free to reach out again.

Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam. Medicine

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Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
67 days ago
5

Hello dear See hiv spread through unprotected sex is very less. But as per details shared by you the girls friend had unprotected sex 15 days earlier and she tested negative also So scientifically chances are minimal But the incubation period is 2-6 weeks. So there are chances that infection may come. So to prevent risk of becoming convalescent carrier better go for post exposure prophylaxis I suggest you to please get your girls friend also properly medicated . You can go for following tests Elisa Rt PCR P24 CBC Lft

So in concise way go for prophylaxis and get tests also done Hopefully iam clear with your query Regards

1847 answered questions
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2 replies
John
Client
67 days ago

Thank you Dr. Bharat

Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
67 days ago
5

Hello dear You are most welcome Regards

1847 answered questions
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Based on the details you’ve provided, the scenario suggests that the risk of HIV transmission in your case is quite low. You used a condom during intercourse, and it remained intact—this significantly reduces the chances of HIV exposure. The presence of vaginal fluid inside the condom is to be expected with physical contact during intercourse, and as long as the condom functioned properly without breakage or slipping significantly, it should have provided effective protection. Additionally, the fact that your girlfriend recently tested negative for HIV is reassuring, although it’s important to consider the window period for HIV, which generally spans up to three months from exposure but can show up positive in most cases between 18-45 days post-exposure. Her unprotected intercourse two weeks prior may warrant some caution since it falls within the possible window period. However, given that you have no cuts, sores or bleeding on your penis, and you did not ejaculate outside, these further minimize HIV transmission odds. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is usually recommended if exposure is assessed as high risk, especially if dealing with a known HIV-positive source or significant exposure to potentially infectious fluids without effective protection. Considering the low risk, routine testing for peace of mind could be considered, but starting PEP may not be necessary in this context. However, if you remain concerned, discussing this with a healthcare provider could provide additional reassurance and personalized advice. Also, both of you might consider repeat HIV testing in a few weeks for added caution due to the window period. It ensures both are on the same page in terms of sexual health and safety.

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Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
61 days ago
5

Continue consistent condom use Avoid excessive anxiety this scenario does not meet criteria for HIV transmission Monitor for symptoms of STIs (discharge, sores, burning) and seek care if present

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