Condom Breakage in Latvia

[andy_33]

I am very worried about a high risk exposure I had in Latvia with a prostitute during which the condom broke while having insertive vaginal sex on 29/07/2007. I developed a sore throat and enlarged tonsils (no fever or rashes) a week after the exposure which has lasted for about a week. I also have persistent irritation and frequently pass urine (no discharge). I have been told by the GUM clinic that I have urethritis but they cant grow anything. They are going to test for HIV on 1st August.

I have been having sleepless nights reading postings here and elsewhere on the net. I have looked at how common HIV among prostitute in Latvia (very due to injecting drug use) and despite the low probability of transmission following exposure for the insertive partner, I cant help thinking that my risk is 1 if I got and 0 if I didnt. The only thing that seems to reassure me is Ann's postings saying so far nobody has broken her record regarding condom breakage and HIV.

I am stressed and worried. Ann any advice on how I can cope until my first test in about 12 days? I will also test at 3 months to be sure.

Thanks

Andy in London

[Andy Velez]

Andy, the condom protected you until it broke. Given that this was a single incident and that it's significantly harder to transmit HIV from female to male, the odds are very much in your favor that you will test negative.

Symptoms never mean zilch in terms of accurately knowing HIV status. Only a test can give you a reliable answer. My guess is that you're goint to test negative.

As for your symptoms, if they persist discuss them again with the Clinic.

At the end of the day odds are you are going to come out of this ok for HIV. Really.

Cheers,

[andy_33]

Thanks Andy,
Taking deep breaths here and waiting for the next couple of weeks. Trying hard to convince myself that symptoms dont mean much but then I had mouth ulcers, fatigue and body pains as well. I also believe the condom broke early - I felt the sensation change and unusually I finished in about two to three minutes - wish I checked when I felt that.

Best wishes

Andy

[Andy Velez]

Yah, well all of those symptoms don't mean squat as far as suggesting HIV is an issue for you. Those can be from any number of things including anxiety. If any persist discuss them with your doctor.

I still say the odds are very much in your favor. And yes, keep on doing that good and deep slow breathing. It really helps.

Cheers,

[andy_33]

Had a test on day 32 (rapid test unfortunately) and it was negative. I will wait for 3 months to get a conclusive result.

[Andy Velez]

Well, that's a happy result. If a not unexpected one. The average time to seroconversion iss 22 days so a negative at 4.5 weeks is definitely pointing towards a happy result ultimately.

Stay busy during the waiting time and it will pass more quickly than you can imagine possible.

Keep us posted and good luck when you re-test.

If your symptoms persist you should discuss them with your doctor.

Cheers,