⚠️ Heads up! This information about PEP is for general guidance only and doesn’t replace a medical consultation. If you’ve had a possible exposure to HIV, speak with a doctor as soon as possible — they can give you advice based on your specific situation. Need help in English? Feel free to message me on WhatsApp for guidance and to book an urgent consultation.
If you’re currently in Chile and have recently experienced an unwanted sexual exposure to HIV, you may need to use PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). This is an emergency treatment that may prevent infection after unprotected sex, condom failure, or sexual assault. But timing is critical: PEP must be started within 72 hours of the exposure, and the sooner, the better.
This guide is designed for expats and English speakers in Chile who may feel overwhelmed navigating the local healthcare system, especially during this stressful and time-sensitive situation. You’ll find:
- What PEP is and how it works
- Who qualifies for PEP
- Where and how to get PEP in Chile
- What to expect while using PEP
- What to do if you don’t speak Spanish or need an LGBTQ+ friendly doctor
What is PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)? How does it work?
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a short course of HIV medication taken to prevent infection after a possible exposure to the virus. It’s not a vaccine or a regular treatment: it’s an emergency measure, meant to stop HIV before it can establish itself in your body.
You must start PEP within 72 hours of the exposure, but the sooner, the better! The treatment lasts for 28 days and involves taking daily antiretroviral pills. If taken correctly and started on time, PEP is highly effective at preventing HIV.
👀 Important: PEP is not the same as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which is taken regularly by people at ongoing risk for HIV. PEP is for emergencies — a one-time use after a known or suspected exposure.
Who qualifies for PEP?
PEP is recommended for anyone who has had a recent high-risk exposure to HIV. You may qualify for PEP if, within the past 72 hours, you have:
- Had unprotected anal, vaginal, or frontal sex with someone living with HIV who is not undetectable, or whose HIV status is uncertain
- Experienced condom failure or slippage during sex
- Been a victim of sexual assault or rape
- Shared needles or other injecting equipment
The key factor is timing — if it’s been more than 72 hours, PEP is generally no longer recommended. However, you should still talk to a doctor as soon as possible to discuss your options, including follow-up testing and prevention.
If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, it’s always best to get medical advice.
Where and how to get PEP in Chile?
Unlike some countries where PEP is easily available through the public healthcare system, access in Chile can be more limited, especially if the exposure was not the result of sexual assault.
Currently, Chile’s public health system only guarantees PEP in cases of sexual violence. If your exposure was consensual (such as condom failure or unprotected sex), you may not be able to get PEP at a public hospital or clinic unless the staff are especially informed or supportive.
That said, you still have options. Private hospitals and clinics are more likely to prescribe PEP regardless of the cause, but they may require upfront payment or private insurance. Many doctors and emergency rooms («Urgencias») will start the treatment if you clearly explain the situation and the urgency.
While technically any licensed doctor in Chile can prescribe PEP, not all are familiar with it, particularly in non-specialized clinics or smaller towns. This can lead to misleading information or even denial of treatment, simply because the provider is unaware of the current guidelines.
For the best results, try to consult with an infectious disease specialist, internal medicine doctor, or a general practitioner who has experience with HIV prevention.
🚨 Need help now? If you’ve had a possible exposure to HIV and aren’t sure where to go, I’m an English-speaking doctor based in Chile who is familiar with PEP and HIV prevention. I offer respectful, evidence-based care — and if PEP is right for you, I can help you get started quickly. Feel free to message me on WhatsApp for guidance and to book an urgent consultation.
What to expect while using PEP?
If you decide to start PEP, here’s a quick overview of what will happen:
Initial Medical Evaluation
You’ll have a consultation where the doctor will ask about the exposure — when, how, and what kind of risk it involved. Be honest and clear, because this helps them decide if PEP is right for you. The doctor may also review your medical history and any medications you take.
Baseline Testing
Depending on your situation, you’ll usually need to get some tests, including:
- An HIV test at the beginning and at the end of the treatment course
- Tests for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Kidney and liver function tests
Since starting PEP is urgent, it’s not necessary to get any tests before starting the treatment. Your doctor should inform you about the ideal timing for it.
Starting Medication
If eligible, you’ll start taking the antiretroviral drugs immediately, ideally the same day. PEP is taken once daily for 28 days. It’s very important to complete the full course, even if you feel fine.
Side Effects and Monitoring
Some people experience side effects such as nausea, fatigue, or headaches, but most tolerate PEP well. Your doctor will give you advice on managing any symptoms and may schedule follow-up visits or phone check-ins to monitor your health.
Follow-Up Testing
After finishing PEP, you’ll need tests to confirm that the treatment was successful, to check if other STI treatments are necessary and to detect any potential side effects of the treatment.
What to do if you don’t speak Spanish or need an LGBTQ+ friendly doctor?
Navigating the healthcare system in Chile can be challenging, especially when you don’t speak Spanish or need care that respects your identity.
Your health and safety come first. It’s okay to seek a second opinion or change providers if you don’t feel respected or understood.
If you need help finding an English-speaking, LGBTQ+ friendly doctor who knows about PEP, I’m here to support you. Feel free to text me on WhatsApp to book an urgent consultation.
0 comentarios