EXPIRED CONDOM

[eyyubi2010]

Hello Doctor

I had an insertive vaginal sex in Bosnia 4 months ago.

The massage girl gave me oral sex for 10 mins and we had 2 mins of insertive vaginal sex.

I was protected all the times.

After sex i checked the condom and filled with water and couldnt see any hole or leaking.

When i was about to leave i figured out the expiration date on the condom was 2009 , which was 3 years ago.

I was really afraid and google the condom brand on google and couldnt find anything.

There was nothing written on the condom that was saying latex or anything, the only thing that was written was the LOT NUMBER.

I am really afraid since it s a developing country , maybe the condom was a regular plastic that they produced ,since nobody checks the quality in those countries.

What are my risks for hiv transmission?

Also right now i have some pain in my submandibular lymph node but no swelling .

I really want to take a hiv test but so afraid, it s been 4 months and freaking out , fearing that  i will lose everything in my life.

Please help me,

thank you very much

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  I'll do my best to help reassure you that the condom you used did its job and protected you.  Statistically, there is little likelihood that your Bosnian partner had HIV and even if she did, even without  a condom, there is a less than 1 in 1000 risk of becoming infected.  With a condom, the risk if virtually zero.

As for your concerns that the condom was past its expiration date, please do not worry.  At the time of condom expiration dates, condoms BEGIN to weaken- they do not start to break often however. The weakening process is quite gradual.  As the condoms weaken the likelihood of breakage increases.  If your condom had broken however, it would have broken wide open.  Further, I can assure that worldwide, even in developing nations, condoms are made of effective materials- usually latex but occasionally polyethylene or similar plastics.  

My advice- don't worry.  There is effectively no risk that you were infected with HIV in the encounter that you describe.  Your symptoms are not due to HIV.

To address your concerns, I suggest you get tested.  There is no reason not to.   There is no reason to worry about testing.  Testing does not give a person HIV but it does give them the power to know what is going on and whether or not they have the infection.  Most tests are negative and if you were so unfortunate as to have HIV, the test would allow you to seek treatment sooner.  There is no reason to delay or avoid HIV testing, particularly in your case in which the tests are almost certain to be negative.

I hope these comments are helpful to you. EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I'm pleased I could help.  EWH

[eyyubi2010]

Dear Doctor

Thank you for your sincere help and advise.

If i feel the power inside my self, i will go get tested.

Thank you very much again for your help.

Best wishes.