Expert: John Thai, M.D. - 9/27/2007

Question
QUESTION: i had sex with a girl over a year ago with a condom that broke. i realized that it was broken within 10-20 seconds and replaced the condom before continuing. while i dont know whether the girl was infected, it is certainly possible that she was. i dont remember having any symptoms in the weeks/months following, however, i now (over 1 yea later) have swollen glands and paranoia is kickin in. what are the chnaces of being infected in a situation like this?

ANSWER: Hi Mr. Jones,

There is a risk of contracting HIV whenever the condom breaks. The amount of risk is debatable. Since it has been a year since it happened, I would recommend that you get an official HIV test from your physician to confirm your status. You can request an OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV-1/2 test which will give you a result within 20 minutes.

Swollen glands could be caused many many problems from bacterial to viral infections. It could also be due to tumor growth, as well. Or, it could have been flared up due to a severe allergic reaction or chronic disease.

Thus, I recommend that you schedule an appointment with your physician for a checkup.

Regards,

John Thai, MD

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for responding! In a case where one has been infected, are swollen glands, as a stand-alone symptom, normal? Furthermore, what are your thoughts on the timeframe (i.e. approx 1 year since the incident) of the swollen glands? I dont rememember having any symptoms in the weeks/months following the incident however the swollen glands (which Ive had in the past) have got me concerned. Also, does the fact that the incident only lasted a few seconds reduice the chances?

Thanks in Advance for your continued feedback!

MJ

Answer
Hi Mr. Jones,

In a case where one has been infected, are swollen glands, as a stand-alone symptom, normal?

--> If you were infected with HIV, you may present with only swollen lymph nodes.

Furthermore, what are your thoughts on the timeframe (i.e. approx 1 year since the incident) of the swollen glands?

--> Most HIV+ individuals are asymptomatic for years (*average of 7-10 years) prior to presenting with symptoms due to a immunodeficiency.

I dont rememember having any symptoms in the weeks/months following the incident however the swollen glands (which Ive had in the past) have got me concerned.

--> Many individuals who were infected with HIV will go through a stage of an "acute HIV syndrome." These are vague flu-like symptoms which can be similar to a simple cold which lasts for a few days.

Also, does the fact that the incident only lasted a few seconds reduice the chances?

--> I cannot answer this question as it is a 'what if' question.

Again, I highly recommend that you ease your concerns by having a simple HIV test. You are most certainly welcome to drop by any public health STI clinics around the US. They are anonymous testings and the government have infectious diseases physicians on site to answer any questions, provide treatment, and test for other STI.

Regards,

John Thai, MD