Dear Volunteer,
I am a South Indian male. I had Vaginal Sexual Intercourse with TWO Casual Sex workers Yesterday. And I used TWO CONDOMS SIMULTANEOUSLY with each encounter. The intercourse last about nearly 5 to 8 minutes at each encounter. There was NO CONDOM BREAKAGE. Hear I have some questions please answer me:
1) The Condoms were provided by that sexworkers. But I don’t know the
BRAND and QUALITY of the condoms which they supplied.
If I think, those condoms were low quality my body is shivering and I am very freaking or fearing.
2)Does it warranted to go for a test according to my situation?
3)Please give a advise and give some information about condom efficiency even using the low brand condom.
Hi There,
Thank you for using the AIDS Vancouver Online Helpline as your resource for HIV related questions.
It is great that you used condoms!
As far as quality of condoms, I am unable to answer whether the condoms that you used are considered an effective tool to reduce risk of STI's (Sexually Transmitting Infections), because I do not know the brand you used.
However, here is some information which I hope will provide you with some comfort:
Condoms usually will have in small writing on the back whether they can be used or not used as a protection against STI's. I have never heard of the term Low grade or High grade condoms before. The condoms that sometimes do not guard against STI's such as HIV are "novelty condoms" - condoms meant for fun not for actual safe sex use (flavored condoms as an example). Keep in mind, Casual Sex Workers (CSW) usually have better access to various forms of protection and safer sex information than we might assume. So C.S.W. are more likely to be well versed on safer sex and what is a reliable quality condom.
If you are uncomfortable with the quality of the condom given, a suggestion for the future is you can keep a fresh unexpired supply of condoms with you so that way you have control as what types of condoms are used. Does that help?
I noticed that you used two condoms simultaneously. This is not recommended! Using two condoms (also referred to as "double bagging") creates friction and as a result can have the condom break. It does not provide twice the protection.
Here is some information for safe condom use:
Check the expiration date of the condom. Use extra care when opening the condom so you do not tear/damage the condom. Use water based lubricants as opposed to oil based. Never use a condom more than once. Ensure you are using the appropriate size suited for you (having too small a condom can increase risk of tearing). These are some of the suggestions.
In regards to your encounter, while using two condoms was not recommended, your risk factors for HIV are considered "Low Risk" because the condom did not break. If you are still concerned and feeling anxious, getting an HIV (as well as for other STI's) might help alleviate some of your worries.
It is always good to include regular HIV tests as part of your general well being if you are going to be sexually active.
Hope this information has helped. Feel free to write back if you have further questions. You can also call us Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm PST at 604 696 4666. All calls are confidential and anonymous.
Cheers and keep us posted
Jaz
AIDS Vancouver Helpline Volunteer
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