How Soon Should You See a Doctor After Unprotected Anal Sex?

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.

It's good that you're thinking ahead. If you’ve had unprotected anal sex with another man, I recommend seeing a doctor as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours. This is because you may be eligible for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), a medication that can help prevent HIV, but it only works if started within that 72-hour window.

Along with HIV, there's also a risk for other STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis. A doctor can guide you on when to test, since some infections may not show up right away. Some tests can be done immediately, while others may need follow-up in a few weeks or months.

Even if you feel fine now, many STIs can have no symptoms early on. Early testing and treatment are key to staying healthy. Also, if you’re sexually active, it’s a good idea to get regular screenings and consider options like PrEP for HIV prevention going forward.

Thanks