Expert: Terry B - 11/2/2007

Question
Hello and thanks. I am seriously worried to death. I have a family abd kids, but did something stupid. I had protected sex with a sex worker 3 days ago. However, the condom broke, but I finished in side her before I realized it. She freaked out and so did I> She says she is clean and was very upset wanting to go to the hospital for a check out. So, some of this makes me feel a little boetter, how concerned she was. So, I am asking what my risk is? I plan on going today for the whole battery of tests at labcorp, including a PCR for HIV. What do you think? Thanks.

Answer
Dear Bill:

Peace.  The broken condom puts her at greater risk because she is exposed to your fluids across a greater area and longer duration, thus her concern; you, on the other hand, had the condom on (we can assume) for some time prior to the break.  This is an exposure for you but an exposure does not mean you are infected.  I am glad you have access to PCR, and keep in mind that a 'false positive' can occur more often than a false negative, meaning that if your results suggest the possibility of HIV, you need confirmatory testing.  Those are my thoughts, your relative risk is less than hers, and you'll have some solid information sometime soon.  Until then, protect yourself and others from the fluids that transmit HIV.  Will keep you in thoughts and more and please let me know how things turn out.

Sincerely,

Terry