Aa
MedHelp.org will cease operations on May 31, 2024. It has been our pleasure to join you on your health journey for the past 30 years. For more info, click here.
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Could anyone answer for me

Hi, I am pretty scared of hiv and always practice safe (r) sex.  But for some reason I am just feeling quite worried.  Last year I had protected sex with an aquantance of mine.  As far as I could tell the condom didn't break - but would this be obvious?  I asked the guy I was with about his HIV status and he told me then and has since told me a few times that he is negative.  What I am worried about is that I have read lately that condoms are only 85% effective.  But what does this mean?  Or does this figure take into account failure rates etc.

I would like to know if I can just move on from this once off incident or do you recommend getting tested.  I don't know why I can't seem to get it into my head that protected sex is protected.  Does anyone else ever feel like this?

Thanks
6 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Ya u sure can...take care
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks guys, so you think I can just forget about this and move on with life now?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The 85% you read was either blatantly wrong and scare mongering, or it might have taken into account failures due to breakage and improper use. Anyways, as stated above condoms provide 100% protection when used correctly.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
ur safe..keep on protecting urself..and u wont have to worry...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Opps, typo,,,, condoms are almost 100% safe. Sorry for one zero that makes the things totally different.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Condoms are almost  10% safe IF and only IF they are used properly. 85% is not correct. If you had protected sex with one who is not from a high risk group, you need not to worry. Relax and enjoy your life. Protected sex really means protected.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community

Top HIV Answerers
366749 tn?1544695265
Karachi, Pakistan
370181 tn?1716862802
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Popular Resources
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.