Unprotected Sex Risks: What Every South African Should Know about PEP

HIV infection is not immediately detectable after potential exposure . The window period is the time between exposure and when a test can reliably detect infection. If you test too early, you could get a false-negative result even if you are infected. During the window period, an infected person might have a negative test result but could still transmit the infection. Repeat testing after the window period is essential for accurate results.

All public clinics and hospitals offer free HIV testing as part of routine services.

If you may have been exposed to HIV, seek PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) as soon as possible. PEP should be used ideally within 2 hours, but no later than 72 hours (3 days) after exposure. Urgently visit your nearest local clinic or emergency department for treatment and monitoring. You can receive an emergency prescription for PEP via Online Doctor SA. Use the prescription at any pharmacy to purchase the medication.

PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis) is a short course of HIV medication taken for 28 days after possible exposure. It helps stop the virus from taking hold in your body. PEP must be started quickly as it is generally not effective if taken after 72 hours.

Yes, PEP prescriptions can be provided through Online Doctor SA for emergency use. However, you will still need to follow up at an in-person clinic for monitoring, safety checks, and follow-up HIV testing.

No. PEP only reduces the risk of HIV infection.
You may still need:
– Emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy
– STI testing and treatment for infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, hepatitis, trichomoniasis

Some STIs have no symptoms, but common signs include:
– Burning sensation when urinating
– Unusual vaginal or penile discharge
– Genital sores, blisters, or rashes
– Pelvic pain or itching

Visit Online Doctor SA to receive a prescription for STI treatment and laboratory testing if required.

Yes, you can get sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from oral sex. While the risks may be lower compared to unprotected vaginal or anal sex, oral sex still carries a significant risk of transmitting infections if no protection is used.

Unprotected sex increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and herpes. It also carries the risk of unintended pregnancy.

Yes. Emergency contraception (like the morning-after pill) can reduce the chance of pregnancy if taken within 72 hours. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is. Emergency contraception can be purchased from your pharmacy without a prescription.

Not always. Many STIs are asymptomatic, which means you may not notice any signs. Regular screening is important, especially after unprotected sex.

Yes. Online Doctor SA provides discreet, confidential, and judgment-free consultations to protect your privacy.

Condoms significantly lower the risk of STIs and pregnancy but do not provide 100% protection, especially for skin-to-skin infections like herpes or HPV.

If you experience discharge, sores, pain, burning with urination, or flu-like symptoms, seek medical advice promptly. Online Doctor SA can assist with screening and prescriptions.

Yes you can receive a prescription for PEP (post-exposer prophylaxis) from any pharmacy if they have stock. You will need a prescription from a registered doctor. You can receive an emergency prescription with Online Doctor SA.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) varies in price between brand and pharmacies. The typical price range is between R180 to R500

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an emergency HIV treatment taken within 72 hours after possible exposure and continued for 28 days. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily pill taken before and during ongoing risk to prevent HIV infection.

Yes. Pregnancy can occur from a single act of unprotected sex if it happens during your fertile window. Even one exposure can be enough for sperm to fertilize an egg.

The earliest signs may include a missed period, breast tenderness, fatigue, nausea, or frequent urination. These usually appear about 2–3 weeks after conception, not immediately after sex. A pregnancy test is the most reliable way to confirm.

Several sexually transmitted infections can be “silent,” meaning you may not notice symptoms but can still pass them on. Common ones include:
– Chlamydia
– Gonorrhoea
– HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
– Herpes (HSV)
– HIV
– Syphilis (early stages may be missed)

With Online Doctor SA, you can receive confidential prescriptions for PEP and STIs, online, easily and affordably. Use your prescription at any pharmacy to purchase the medication.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is essential HIV preventative treatment that if taken within 72 hours after exposure, can significantly reduce the chance of HIV infection after unprotected sex.

You can receive emergency contraception (morning after pill) from your local pharmacy, without a prescription. If you 

Common signs & symptoms

In women:
– Abnormal vaginal discharge
– Burning when urinating
– Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
– Pain during sex
– Bleeding between periods or after sex
– Rectal symptoms if exposed anally

Common signs & symptoms

In men:
– Burning or pain when urinating
– Clear, white or yellow discharge from the penis
– Itching or irritation at the tip of the penis
– Testicular pain or swelling (epididymitis)
– Rectal pain, discharge or bleeding (if exposed anally)

Yes you can get HIV from oral sex, but the risk is lower than with vaginal or anal sex.

You can purchase PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) at any pharmacy in South Africa using your prescription from a registered medical doctor.

You can only know if you are pregnant after unprotected sex by doing a pregnancy test – symptoms alone are not reliable. A home urine test is usually accurate from about 14 days after sex or from the first day of a missed period. A blood test (β-hCG) at a clinic/lab can detect pregnancy slightly earlier. Testing too soon may give a false negative, so if the first test is negative and your period does not come, repeat it after a week.