Condom break again

[30 minutes]

It's been a few year since I posted here and tonight I was stupid once more and need your advice.I was with a sex trade worker and at the end of intercourse the condom broke just at the tip.I ask her Iif I had to worry she said no but told me use to be a addict!I know I should test in 6 weeks but should I go pep right away Thanks for now.

[Andy Velez]

A risk like this is not a high one. Transmitting HIV from female to male is significantly more difficult than the other way around. The risk was only once and a brief one because the condom protected you until it broke.

I don't see PEP as indicated, but you need to make the ultimate decision about yes or no on that.

If you decide to do PEP, that means the waiting to test is extended to 13 weeks past the completion of PEP for a conclusive result.

[30 minutes]

Thanks Andy because torn it just at the tip i am not as worried so I pep is out I will just wait 6weeks.

[Andy Velez]

OK. Good luck to you and keep us posted.

[30 minutes]

Of course I am getting more worried I still have a couple days to consider pep,is that something that free in Canada?Or because it's lower risk should I ride out?

[Andy Velez]

The decision has to be yours about this. You can check it out with a doctor if you want another opinion.

I can tell you that we have had many, many incidents reported of condom breaks. None of them have ended up testing positive.

[30 minutes]

Yes Andy I have 4 condom breaks in the 20yrs and am fine.Think I should be buying bigger condoms lol.

[Andy Velez]

Well it is true that you ought to be using condoms that fit you properly. Since you have had numerous breaks it would seem a good move to re-think what you're using. Remember, low risk is not the same as no risk.

[Ann]

30,

There are two main causes of condom breakage.

One is not making sure there is no air bubble in the tip. You need to pinch the tip of the condom between your thumb and finger as you roll the condom down and then check to make sure there's no air in the tip by pulling the condom downward on the shaft to make it tight against the head. If there's air trapped, you need to roll it back up and try again.

You said your condom broke right at the end and if by that you mean when you came, the addition of your semen to an air bubble could very well be your problem.

Also, if you tend to produce a lot of cum and if it also tends to shoot out rather forcefully, you should be using condoms with a reservoir tip. You still need to make sure there is no air bubble in the reservoir tip when using these types of condoms. 

The second main cause of condom breakage is not using enough lube. This can be a problem even with vaginal intercourse. Make sure you use water-based lube and not just some hand-cream lying on the bedside table.

Even fairly tight condoms rarely break when you follow the above two guidelines. Read through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use them correctly and with confidence.

Like Andy, I do not expect you to end up positive over this broken condom and you certainly do not need PEP. Just test at the appropriate time to make sure.

Ann

[30 minutes]

I am a little worried had slight headache for 3 days,plus I found out she is a definate former needle drug user.I want to go there again but it s hard not think about it!

[Ann]

30,

Neither symptoms nor the lack of symptoms will ever tell you a single thing about your hiv status - ONLY testing at the appropriate time will.

Ann

[30 minutes]

Went and got tested i am negative @ 9weeks for all stds includeing hiv.Thanks for your advice.

[30 minutes]

Its 13 weeks and i will get retested today ,its never fun but has to be done!

[Andy Velez]

With that 9 weeks negative behind you, I don't see any serious reason to expect anything other than another negative result.