What questions will the doctor ask during a first PEP consultation?

Your doctor will typically ask about the timing and nature of the exposure, your medical history, and any current medications to determine if PEP is appropriate.

Will I need blood tests at my first PEP consultation?

Yes, baseline tests such as an HIV test and kidney function check are usually done at the first visit before or shortly after starting PEP.

What Really Happens During Your First PEP Consultation?

Overcoming the Initial Fear

Booking a consultation after a potential HIV exposure is terrifying for most people. Patients often arrive at my clinic sweating, unable to make eye contact, and consumed by anxiety. My primary goal in the first five minutes is to establish a safe, non-judgmental, and 100% confidential space.

Here is exactly what you can expect during your first PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) consultation.

Step 1: The Exposure Assessment

We need to determine if PEP is medically necessary. Not every exposure carries the same risk. I will ask specific questions about the event:

When exactly did the exposure occur? (PEP must be started within 72 hours, ideally sooner).
What type of exposure was it? (e.g., condom break, unprotected intercourse, needle stick).
Do you know the HIV status of the source person? If they are positive, are they on medication with an undetectable viral load?

These questions are clinical, not moral. Honesty is crucial for accurate risk assessment.

Complete Confidentiality

Everything discussed in the consulting room stays in the consulting room. Your details, the nature of the exposure, and your medical records are strictly protected.

Step 2: Baseline Testing

Before starting PEP, we must ensure you are not already HIV positive from a previous exposure, as PEP is for prevention, not treatment of established infection. A rapid HIV test is usually conducted. We may also screen for other STDs, Hepatitis B and C, and check your kidney and liver function, as the medications are metabolized by these organs.

Step 3: The Prescription and Regimen Explanation

If PEP is indicated, you will be prescribed a 28-day course of a three-drug antiretroviral regimen. I will explain exactly how to take the pills, the critical importance of adherence (not missing doses), and potential side effects like nausea or fatigue.

Step 4: Follow-up Scheduling

PEP is not a one-and-done process. We will schedule follow-up blood tests at specific intervals (usually at 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and sometimes 6 months) to conclusively confirm your negative status.

The entire process is designed to support you. You do not have to face this anxiety alone.