Will pre-exposure prophylaxis be effective in vaginal sex?
Possible causes of symptoms in 3 mins

Q. Is pre-exposure prophylaxis effective in reducing the risk of HIV?

Answered by  
Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
and medically reviewed by   iCliniq medical review  team.

Education: MBBS., DDVL., MD COMMUNITY MEDICINE

Professional Bio:

Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra completed his MBBS from Karnatak University in 1996, a Diploma in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, and an MD in Community Medicine from Rajiv Gandhi University of... 

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.
Consult other doctors in the same speciality >>
This is a premium question & answer published on May 09, 2023 and last reviewed on: Oct 17, 2023
Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I wanted to start taking pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. Will it be effective after seven days of taking it? I wanted to add an extra layer of protection. I will only be having vaginal sex.

Please help.

Answered by  Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
#

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis is an additional layer of protection to prevent the transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). It is known to be 99 % effective if taken properly. But it would be better to additionally use condoms too. It adds protection and also prevents other sexually transmitted diseases. By seven days it would have a good protection rate, though 21 days are better. But, I suggest you not fail to continue the daily dose for another month after intercourse.

I also suggest you take two tablets two to four hours before intercourse instead of one on the day of intercourse. But do not forget to take daily doses.

Kindly consult a doctor, talk with them, and take medicines with their consent.

I hope this has helped you.

Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your reply.

I have a few more questions.

1. Is Truvada safe to use?

2. Is there any specific time I should take it?

3. Is there any medication I should avoid while taking Truvada?

I am currently taking Anavar.

Please help.

Answered by  Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
#

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Truvada (Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate) is approved for pre-exposure prophylaxis and can be taken safely. Gastrointestinal side effects may increase with Anavar (steroid) or alcohol. It can be taken with or after food. If you are not on any other medications, you need not worry. You can go through the details of Truvada.

I suggest you consult your doctor before the initiation of pre-exposure prophylaxis. Baseline tests like HIV, Hepatitis B, and renal tests may be required before the initiation of Truvada.

I hope this has helped you.

Thanks and regards.


Was this answer helpful?
 | 

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!


Also Read Answers From:

ideaComprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case


iCliniq's FREE Newsletters

Expert-backed health and wellness information, delivered to your email.

Thank you for subscribing to our Newsletters!

Also Read


PCOS and Liver Problems
The hormonal imbalances in polycystic ovary syndrome could cause liver diseases. Read the article to know the relationship between these medical conditions.  Read more»
Inferior Alveolar Nerve Lateralization Technique
The inferior alveolar nerve lateralization technique is a surgical lateralization technique to reposition the nerve. Read the article to know more about this.  Read more»
COVID-19 and Ebola: Similarities and Differences
This article gives a comparison and broader overview of the outbreak of the two deadliest diseases that showed a greater incidence over the last two decades.  Read more»

Ask your health query to a doctor online?

Ask a HIV AIDS Specialist Now
* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.