very worried

[RossSomers]

I am extremely worried. Two years ago I had sex with an African girl while I was doing volunteer work. I was using a condom but it snapped, as I was inhibited by alcohol, I simply put on another one and continued. I had a panic attack the next day and sought out the girl to have her tested. There was alot of ambiguity as she could not speak english but the doctors there said she was fine. I was still deeply anxious as I was displayin some symptoms (sore joints, nausea, muscle aches) When I arrived home (3 weeks after intercourse) I had a test, it proved negative. And that was all fine, even though whenever I became stressed the symptoms seemed to reappear.
Now, two years later, I have discovered that a test after 3 weeks is inconclusive. Coupled with that I have developed a small deep ulcer on my abdomen and a small white spot in my mouth. Two symptoms that really couldnt be the product of an over active mind (thats how I reassured myself when I felt the other symptoms "its just in your head"). I am terrified of going to get another test. Could anyone offer me any reassurance before I take the plunge? 

[RossSomers]

Oh ya, and night sweats and minor frequent headaches. Not fatigued and no muscle aches or joint pain

[Ann]

Ross,

I have yet to see the insertive partner end up positive over a condom break. I don't expect you to be the first.

You've had a risk that is very much on the low end of the scale, but you should test to make sure. A test for you now will be conclusive for this condom break incident.

If you have been having unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse with anyone else since this broken condom, then you need to test at three months (or more) after the last incident of unprotected for a conclusive result.

As for your symptoms, neither the presence nor absence of symptoms will tell you a single thing about your hiv status - only testing at the appropriate time will. Go test and put your mind at rest.

I hope you are using condoms with ANYONE you have intercourse with, not just people such as Africans who you deem to be at high risk for hiv infection. Anyone who has unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse is at high risk for hiv infection, regardless of who they are, what race they are or where they live. You need to remember that. Here's what you need to know in order to remain hiv negative:

You need to be using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions until such time as you are in a securely monogamous relationship where you have both tested for ALL sexually transmitted infections together.

To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with an STI. Sex without a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.

Have a look through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence.

Anyone who is sexually active should be having a full sexual health care check-up, including but not limited to hiv testing, at least once a year and more often if unprotected intercourse occurs.

If you aren't already having regular, routine check-ups, now is the time to start. As long as you make sure condoms are being used for intercourse, you can fully expect your routine hiv tests to return with negative results.

Don't forget to always get checked for all the other sexually transmitted infections as well, because they are MUCH easier to transmit than hiv.

Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple!

Ann

[RossSomers]

I am very grateful for such a prompt, thorough and clear answer. It is extremely refreshing considering all the sites that make you pay for medical advice. You are doindg a great service here Ann.

I have not gotten tested yet as I am waiting to go to a free clinic with very awkward hours. I just have two more questions and Ill leave it at that as I know only a test will offer closure.

1. Does it matter that after the condom broke, exposing myself to the vaginal fluids, That I just put another one on? Would that not have just kept the fluids in the condom, and upon ejaculation, offering a chance for fluid exchange?

2. What else could my symptoms mean? They are very distressing as they couldnt be the product of hypochondria. The ulcer seems to be heeling very, very slowly and the white spots in my mouth come and go.

I am very gratefull for your time

[Andy Velez]

As Ann has told you the risk of transmission because of a broken condom is a low one. It protected you ntil it broke. you quickly substituted a new one and we're talking about a single and brief incident. Also, HIV is a fragile virus and much harder to transmit from female to male than the other way around.

I certainly expect you to test negative.

As for your symptoms, there is nothing HIV specific at all about them. We can't diagnose anything in this setting. Discuss those concerns with your doctor.

[RossSomers]

Hi again. I have been tested now and am awaiting results. I am not very worried as the doctor there said the chances are indeed very low.
Just as a matter of sheer interest; Have you heard of Bob Becks blood electrifier? I am just very curious. Im not assuming the worst anymore. I just want to see if his claims have any grounding in reality.

[Ann]

Ross,

Bob Beck is a quack who makes money by conning people with serious illnesses. The only things that can treat hiv are antiretrovirals.

I fully expect you to test hiv negative.

Ann