PEP to serodiscordant couples?

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum members,

Related to the discussion of post-sexual exposure prophylaxis, I would like to

share a point which was raised by PLHA groups in a recent discussion.

" Govt. of India has a policy to give post-exposure prophylaxis for health care

providers. But why Govt. is silent in providing post-sexual exposure prophylaxis

to sero-discordant couples in case of 'accidental' (example: condoms broken)

exposure? "

Ofcourse, this could lead to questions like - whether availability of such

prophylaxis will " encourage " risk-taking among sero-discordant couples?

Also, after an exposure (irrespective of the mode - occupational or sexual), not

only post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV but also the following need to be done.

- baseline screening for HIV, HBV, HCV (if possible) and even for syphilis

(since could be transmittted by blood)

- psychological/emotional support

- follow-up (clinical and lab) for STIs and HIV infection

Regards,

Dr. Venkatesan Chakrapani, MD,

e-MAIL: cvenkatesan@...

[Guest guest]

It is unlikely that the PEP (Sexual) will increase the tendency of taking

risk in sexual behavior. The cost and side effects of drugs, amount of

protection and taboo of HIV will prevent the people from such indiscreet

behavior.

Dr. Nishikant

E-mail: nishparna@...