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Does a condom break during sex increase the risk for HIV?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had intercourse with a sex worker from an average background. When I was reinserting, the condom popped, and my penis was exposed inside her for about two seconds. I am not sure if she is HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) positive, but what are the chances of me getting infected in this case if she was HIV positive. I did wash my penis with soap after I stopped and she too did the same. I am taking Trustiva-PEP (Post-exposure Prophylaxis). Will it help me if I have taken it from the 18th hour? I got tested in a hospital, which was nonreactive on day two. When can I take the next set of tests, and what? Thanks.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Trustiva (Tinofovir, Emtricitabine, and Efavirenz) is a PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis), which was started at the right time. It should be taken in an empty stomach and is safe. Even though the condom has broken, as you have begun the medicine PEP, you can go for a test after three months after finishing PEP. Do not worry; you are safe.

Patient's Query

Thank you, doctor, for your reply.

I have been taking it in the night around dinner time. Can I take it before dinner?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You can take it before dinner, but you must eat only after one hour, and it should be taken for 28 days. Do not worry; you are safe. Time in insertive sex is of no importance. You can go for fourth generation CMIA (Chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay) kit test for HIV (human immunodeficiency viruses) in the third month. If the result is non-reactive, that means you do not have HIV. So you have to exclude the HIV factor, then forget the incident and move on. That is the right time to move, and forget the bad incident. It is very good that you are protected. Have good habits, and always be protected.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you so much for your reply.

What did you mean by "time in insertive sex in no importance"? Does it mean that there is a small possibility that I may have picked up?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Every person mentions as 3 seconds and others as 5 seconds, etc. Once inserted in the vagina, any person is in the mesh. That is why 5 minutes or 30 minutes is of no importance. Once inserted in the vagina, HIV is confirmed within that time only. I hope you understand.

Medically reviewed byDr. Preetha. J

Published At October 11, 2020
Reviewed AtJuly 11, 2025

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