HomeAnswersHIV/AIDS specialisthiv risk factorsCould having protected sex prevent me from getting HIV?

I had protected sex. Am I safe from HIV?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At June 6, 2017
Reviewed AtSeptember 19, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had protected sex with a sex worker and according to my knowledge condom did not break and slip. Can I contract HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)? I took HIV combo test CMIA (Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immuno Assay) method at 28th-day and the result came negative. Again on the 35th day and 41st day both were negative. Please suggest.

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

Following are the answers to your query: Condoms are an excellent way to protect not only from HIV but also from other sexually transmitted infections (STI) and if you have used the condom correctly and it did not slip off or break, it is unlikely you contract HIV if your partner is HIV infected. It is always recommended to check the expiry date before using. Also at every time of sex, a newer condom should be used and water-based lubricants are always recommended with it. The risk of exposure is dependent on the length of time that had passed after the condom was initially put. No type of condom is 100 % effective against HIV or any STI(Sexually Transmitted Infection), but if you and your partner are having sex, nothing protects better against these than a properly used condom. Using a latex male condom can greatly reduce but not entirely eliminate the risk of HIV or any other STI. You increase your risk of contracting HIV and for that matter any other STI if you have multiple partners. It is really good that your HIV test is negative on the 28th, 35th, and 41st-day post-exposure. But, as per the recommendations, I still suggest a repeat HIV rapid test at three months, and if negative, then at six months. You need not repeat in between.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva
Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva

HIV/AIDS specialist

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

HIV/AIDS specialist

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy