Author Topic: Condom break and symptoms (Read 15493 times)

sadface12 · « **on:** August 20, 2009, 03:15:20 pm »

About a month ago, I had sex with a confirmed HIV + woman, the condom broke during the act. I pulled out after about a minute (max), and used a new condom to finish the act. I have to admit I was drunk that day. 30 minutes later I washed my penis with soap and warm water, at the time I also realized I had a non-bleeding skin irritation on the glans and that healed the next day. I took PEP 43 hrs after the exposure, and today I had my last dose, and all I am waiting for is testing. Please tell me if I have any chance of coming out of this okay. I am really very worried.

Ann · « **Reply #1 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:22:57 pm »

Sad,

You have every chance of coming out of this ok. Hiv is significantly much more difficult to transmit from a woman to a man. Even without PEP, you were unlikely to become infected following a condom break. I was with an hiv negative man for a year and a half before I got my diagnosis, during which time we didn't use condoms. (we did use them after my diagnosis) He's hiv negative to this day.

You need to test at three months past your last dose of PEP. You can test at six weeks for reassurance, as the vast majority of people who have actually been infected will seroconvert and test positive by this point. A six week negative must be confirmed at the three month point, but is highly unlikely to change.

I fully expect you to test negative.

Ann

sadface12 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:41:50 pm »

Thanks for everything. How about the skin irritation on my glans? Does it matter?

Andy Velez · « **Reply #3 on:** August 20, 2009, 04:56:30 pm »

Your risk was low, even allowing for the brusing on your glans, which really wouldn't make a difference. Given that you have done PEP, my expectation is like Ann's that you will ultimately test negative.

Meantime while you're waiting to test you need to get productively busy with other things. It will help the waiting time to pass much more easily.

sadface12 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 22, 2009, 01:58:44 pm »

Immediately after starting PEP, i began to have night sweats. The problem doesnt seem to have stopped even after finishing my PEP meds. Does anybody know why this is the case. I am getting slightly worried.

Ann · « **Reply #5 on:** August 22, 2009, 03:28:09 pm »

Sad,

I've merged your new thread into your original thread - where you should post all your additional thoughts or questions. It helps us to help you when you keep all your additional thoughts or questions in one thread.

If you need help finding your thread when you come here, click on the "Show own posts" link under your name in the left-hand column of any forum page.

Please also read through the Welcome Thread so you can familiarize yourself with our Forum Posting Guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation.

If you're worried about night sweats, see your doctor. We cannot diagnose the problem over the internet. Whatever is going on is highly unlikely to have anything to do with hiv.

Ann

sadface12 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 22, 2009, 03:50:10 pm »

Thanks Ann. Your replies always comfort me a lot. I have no idea how I would go through this if it were not becuz of this forum. I have learned quite a lot from you guys. God bless you all. I will communicate my result after testing. Thank you again.

sadface12 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 29, 2009, 01:43:22 pm »

Hello Andy and Rapid,

It's been 7 days since I finished a 30 day PEP treatment. My sinus infection seems to have come back, and I have now have swollen nodes under my chin. There is also a slight headache. Could I be seroconverting or this is due to sinus infection? Please help.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #8 on:** August 29, 2009, 01:46:50 pm »

Those are not HIV specific symptoms in any way. Discuss them with your doctor.

And after having done the 28 day PEP regimen and bearing in mind that your risk was low to begin with, I expect you to test negative when you do test.

sadface12 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 29, 2009, 01:56:18 pm »

Thanks a lot Andy. I will probably test 6 weeks and 13 weeks post PEP. I pray every day that I am in the clear. Thanks again.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #10 on:** August 29, 2009, 04:37:29 pm »

You're welcome.

And I agree with Ann that you will come out of this ok.

sadface12 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 04, 2009, 09:14:52 am »

Does anybody know why I get easy bruising while on PEP? It seems to be getting better since I finished my PEP. I am still waiting for the right time to get my first test, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be fine.

Ann · « **Reply #12 on:** September 04, 2009, 09:43:28 am »

sad,

When a person bruises easily, it can be a sign of low platelets (a type of blood cell involved with clotting).

If you're concerned about this - and it may or may not have anything to do with the meds - talk to your doctor.

I'm still fully expecting you to test negative.

Ann

sadface12 · « **Reply #13 on:** September 04, 2009, 09:52:20 am »

Thanks Ann.

sadface12 · « **Reply #14 on:** September 14, 2009, 11:15:24 am »

Hi, Ann, Andy, and everybody,

I am still waiting to get tested 6 weeks post PEP. But now there is something that is troubling me. I have this sharp pain in both my groins, and I am wondering if this could be a sign of seroconversion or something. Please advice. The pain has been going on for about a week now, but it gets a bit intense at night.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #15 on:** September 14, 2009, 01:27:03 pm »

Whatever is going with you is not ARS or anything HIV related. Discuss it with your doctor. Your mind is just playing scary games with you.

And I am still expecting you to test negative.

sadface12 · « **Reply #16 on:** September 14, 2009, 02:16:45 pm »

thanks Andy!

sadface12 · « **Reply #17 on:** September 17, 2009, 02:49:59 pm »

Hi Ann and Andy,

I was wondering if it is okay to get tested 5 weeks post PEP; the waiting is killing and scaring me. I am trying to be as optimistic as possible, but sometimes I think my PEP has failed to protect me. I know I am not supposed to think this way, but I cant seem to handle it sometimes. What do you guys think of the Combivir (43 hrs after exposure) I took and my exposure? I have read some weird article saying the fact that PEP can prevent HIV infection is medical hoax. My day has been very bitter cuz of this article.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #18 on:** September 17, 2009, 02:57:46 pm »

That article was W R O N G.

You know what, go ahead and get tested. I expect you to get a negative result. But maybe that will help you to have an easier waiting time until you conclusively test negative at 13 weeks after completion of PEP.

Do what ya gotta do, buddy.

Keep us posted on your result if you decide to do a 5 week test.

Cheers.

sadface12 · « **Reply #19 on:** September 17, 2009, 03:05:20 pm »

Thanks Andy, I will keep you posted as soon as I get my results. I feel better talking to you guys.

sadface12 · « **Reply #20 on:** September 23, 2009, 10:49:50 am »

Ann and Andy,

I decided to get a test today, 9 weeks post-exposure (5 weeks post-PEP), and the result was negative. This was indeed encouraging, and now waiting for 3 months post-PEP wont be much of a stress. So, what do think you think of the result?

Andy Velez · « **Reply #21 on:** September 23, 2009, 12:35:41 pm »

What do we think of the result? You're kidding, right!!!??? Of course it's good. We've thought all along that you were going to test negative. And I expect your final test to be similarly negative.

Get busy with other things now while you're waiting to do that.

sadface12 · « **Reply #22 on:** September 24, 2009, 11:38:15 am »

Hello Ann,

What is the likelihood of my negative result at 9 weeks post-exposure (5 weeks post-PEP) changing to a positive at 12-13 weeks post PEP? I am slightly worried, but I have to say I am better than the time before.

Ann · « **Reply #23 on:** September 24, 2009, 12:04:51 pm »

Sad,

You are very, very, VERY unlikely to get anything other than another negative result when you test at the appropriate time. Even without PEP, you were unlikely to become infected following a condom break. We've been telling you this all along.

Ann

sadface12 · « **Reply #24 on:** September 24, 2009, 12:33:36 pm »

Thanks Ann,

Sometimes when I read the responses that I get from you and Andy, I almost break into tears of joy. You guys are so comforting. I will post my final test result soon. Thanks again. God bless.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #25 on:** September 24, 2009, 05:46:45 pm »

You're welcome.

We expect you to continue to test negative.

Cheers.

sadface12 · « **Reply #26 on:** September 27, 2009, 11:52:02 am »

Hi Andy,

I am sorry for troubling you. I have a little question here. I have just developed a sore throat; I am also coughing and sneezing. Could this be related to HIV in my case?

Ann · « **Reply #27 on:** September 27, 2009, 01:00:56 pm »

Sad,

NO! It sounds like you have a simple head cold. If you're worried about it, see a doctor. It's nothing to do with hiv.

You are very, very, VERY unlikely to get anything other than another negative result when you test at the appropriate time. Even without PEP, you were unlikely to become infected following a condom break. We've been telling you this all along.

If you insist on coming back here everytime you get a sniffle or twinge, you'll be given a time out. Please consider yourself warned.

Ann

sadface12 · « **Reply #28 on:** October 27, 2009, 07:06:23 am »

Ann, Andy, and others,

I have had another test at 14 weeks post exposure (10 weeks post PEP), and the result was negative. Now I have two more weeks to get a conclusive result, but really this is very encouraging. What do you think guys?

Ann · « **Reply #29 on:** October 27, 2009, 07:11:21 am »

sad,

I think you're more likely to walk outside your house right this minute and find a multi-million, unclaimed, winning lottery ticket lying on your doorstep than you are to go on to test positive after your ten-week post-PEP negative result.

You are very, very, VERY unlikely to get anything other than another negative result if you test again. Even without PEP, you were unlikely to become infected following a condom break. We've been telling you this all along!!!

You really only need to test again in two weeks if you seriously need to for peace of mind. There's no way that negative result is going to change now.

You don't have hiv. And that's a good thing.

Ann

sadface12 · « **Reply #30 on:** May 14, 2010, 06:29:36 am »

Andy, Ann, Matty, and everybody;

I apologize posting my result this late. I did have a negative test 3 months post PEP, and it was a huge relief. I have had another one about 38 weeks post PEP, and it was negative. I think I dont have HIV. I am very grateful for the support and encouragement that I received from you guys. I have learned that symptoms are not reliable when it comes to HIV. I promise to be more careful and use condoms correctly in future. Thank very much. Thank you again.

Matty the Damned · « **Reply #31 on:** May 14, 2010, 08:00:14 am »

38 weeks post PEP and you think you're negative?

You most certainly are negative. Now run along and get on with your life.

MtD

sadface12 · « **Reply #32 on:** January 21, 2012, 05:21:25 am »

Hi, everyone.

I had a condom break with a woman of unknown status. I noticed the break immediately and I pulled out. I think I stayed inside for less than 10 seconds. This time I did not opt for PEP. It's been three weeks since the incidence and now I am experiencing some symptoms. The symptoms are: slight chain pain and dizziness. Could this be ARS or something? Please advice. I will go for my first test in 6 weeks.

Ann · « **Reply #33 on:** January 21, 2012, 07:44:17 am »

Sad,

I've merged your new thread into your original thread - where you should post all your additional thoughts or questions. It helps us to help you when you keep everything in one thread. It doesn't matter how long it has been since you last posted in your thread or if the subject matter is different.

If you need help finding your thread when you come here, click on the "Show own posts" link under your name in the left-hand column of any forum page.

Please also read through the Welcome Thread so you can familiarize yourself with our Forum Posting Guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation.

No, your symptoms are absolutely not hiv specific. Sounds like stress to me.

You were right to not go for PEP. PEP is not indicated in your situation.

I've yet to see the insertive partner during vaginal intercourse end up positive following a condom break and I do not expect you to be the first, but you do need to test to be certain.

There are two leading causes of condom breakage.

One is not using enough water-based lube. You should be using water-based lube even for vaginal intercourse.

Having an air bubble present in the tip of the condom is probably the commonest cause, particularly when using reservoir tips.

When you put the condom on, you need to pinch the tip between finger and thumb of one hand while rolling it down with the other hand.

Once it's on, give it a firm stroke from tip to base while watching the tip. You will see if there is air in the tip and if there is, roll it back up and try again.

Also make sure you read through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms correctly and with confidence. A correctly used condom rarely breaks, so get reading.

I fully expect you to come out of this condom break situation hiv negative, but please test to make certain.

Ann

sadface12 · « **Reply #34 on:** February 17, 2012, 02:14:21 pm »

Hi,

I am probably driving myself nuts. I have had a chest infection, which ultimately resulted in an ear infection, causing pain on the mastoid region. Its been 4 weeks, and the chest infection and the mastoid pain have not gone completely. There are times when I feel a bit dizzy. Because of this I decided to check my Hb (haemoglobin) and it's 13.8. I am a bit worried cuz it used to be around 15.4-16.9.

Could this mean that this time I might have not dodged the bullet? I am still waiting for the right time to test though. Please comment.

Ann · « **Reply #35 on:** February 18, 2012, 06:08:25 am »

sad,

As I previously told you, you are highly unlikely to end up positive being the insertive partner and having a condom break. You noticed right away and that is also in your favour.

Chest and ear infections are not usual symptoms of ARS. However, they ARE VERY usual for this time of year for anyone.

If you continue to feel unwell, see a doctor. It's not about hiv.

You can have your initial hiv test in another two weeks.

The vast majority of people who have actually been infected will seroconvert and test positive by six weeks, with the average time to seroconversion being only 22 days.

A six week negative must be confirmed at the three month point, but is highly unlikely to change.

I fully expect you to test negative, but you must test to make sure.

Don't forget to test for all the other much more easily transmitted STIs. Some can be present with no obvious symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to test.

Ann

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Author Topic: Condom break and symptoms (Read 15493 times)