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HIV Exposure Concern – Completed PEP, Se
Hello Doctor,
I had a possible HIV exposure on 13th March with a sex worker. I was using a condom, but it broke during intercourse. I consulted a doctor the same day and started PEP within 3 hours. I have completed the full 28-day course as prescribed.
Currently, I do not have any symptoms, but I am experiencing a lot of anxiety and fear, which is affecting my daily work.
Could you please guide me on:
1. What is my actual risk level in this situation?
2. When should I get tested for HIV for accurate results?
3. Is there anything else I should do at this stage?
Thank you.
Answers (10)
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After the exposure, you started Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), which is appropriate. However, you are currently experiencing significant anxiety, stress, and overthinking.
You should visit our clinic for a detailed evaluation. We will take a complete history and perform a proper examination. We will also provide counseling to address your concerns and guide you on lifestyle modifications
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Hello Practo User, use homoeopathic medications for your problem to get Instant and effective results.Its Curable, no need to worry about. Homoeopathic medicines plays Excellent role to treat Such problems in a hollistic way without any side effect.I suggest you to message me your complete history in private chat with all reports & details & Consult Online through Practo. I will guide you for holistic & effective Results with homoeopathy ! Take care !! Best Regards:)
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After exposure, you started PEP within 3 hours, which is very good. Currently, you are experiencing anxiety that is affecting your daily routine. This may be due to overthinking about your life after the exposure. You have already taken proper treatment, but repeatedly searching on Google about the exposure may be increasing your anxiety.
You should consult our clinic. We will take a detailed history, perform necessary investigations to clear your doubts, and provide proper counseling to help you manage your anxiety.
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Hi. Consult online for questions regarding the same
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●𝗬𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 .
●𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗰
●𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 1.5 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳.
●𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁.
●𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀.
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Have u got ur confirmation test done??
Or u can get her test report also if possible..
To be safe and sure...
Next Steps
consult for guidance
Health Tips
to clear all ur doubt
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Need further more details on your exposure basis which we’ll be in a better position to guide and assist you further.
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Namastey
You acted promptly and appropriately—starting post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 3 hours and completing the full 28-day course significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission. In a situation where a condom failure occurred with a partner of unknown status, there is a theoretical risk, but with correct and timely PEP, the actual risk becomes very low. The absence of symptoms at this stage is reassuring, although symptoms are not a reliable indicator in early HIV infection. What you are experiencing now is very common—post-exposure anxiety, which can feel intense despite low medical risk.
Next Steps
For conclusive clarity, HIV testing should follow a standard timeline. A 4th-generation HIV test is usually done at about 4–6 weeks after exposure, and a final confirmatory test at 3 months provides definitive results in most cases. Since you have completed PEP, follow-up testing after completion is important for accuracy. At this stage, no additional medical intervention is typically required if you remain asymptomatic and have adhered to PEP correctly. However, your anxiety deserves equal attention—do not ignore it. Structured counseling and professional reassurance can help you move through this period with confidence. You may connect with us at 9 3 1 5 6 6 1 5 6 5 for guided support, interpretation of results, and ongoing reassurance.
Health Tips
Maintain a balanced routine—adequate sleep, regular meals, and physical activity—to help regulate stress levels. Avoid repeatedly searching or overthinking worst-case scenarios, as this can amplify anxiety. Engage in calming practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or light exercise. Until your final test is completed, practice safe sex consistently. Remember, with timely PEP and proper follow-up, the situation is highly manageable and overwhelmingly favorable.
Thank you
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Dr. Daisy Rure
Psychiatrist
8 yrs exp
Khandwa
1. After completing PEP, effectiveness is 88- 100% ( https://i-base.info/htb/52764, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/394088638_success_rate_and_determinants_of_post-exposure_prophylaxis_pep_among_hiv_exposers_attending_the_hiv_counselling_and_testing_hct_unit_at_yobe_state_specialist_hospital_damaturu_yobe_state_nigeria)
Also depends on which Pep regime you took.
Also for HIV infection their has to be tranfer of body fluids from infected person INTO your body, it doesn't transmit by touch or skin
2. Testing is recommended to weeks after stopping Pep
I.e.42nd day of exposure
3. Very frankly nothing
Next Steps
if the excessive anxiety is affecting your daily life and work functioning consult a psychiatrist, as confirmation is done at least after 3 months
Health Tips
stop Googling in your symptoms , use breathing exercises
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Dr. Moin Ahmad Siddiqui
Trichologist
7 yrs exp
Lucknow
Risk is there
Repeat test required
Consult online
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.