[Question #13841] Condom Breakage

3 hours ago

Hi Dr's,

I am late 50's one married. The condom broke while having vaginal sex with a CSW yesterday evening that have known/visited for a couple of years. She is Chinese and probably in her late 30's - early 40's. Have seen her a total of 6 - 8 times since January '25 to current. This would be the first time since last November '25. I am not sure when the condom broke as did not notice until withdrawing, after ejaculation, when looked down and noticed was split wide open. I believe it happened toward the end of session but thinking could have been totally exposed anywhere from 3 - 10 minutes. Just not sure.

I was tested a week ago and clear of basic sti's (chlamydia / gonorrhea). She informed me that she tests every 3 months and last one was January 13th and she was fine. She did not seem concerned from her end. She has offered unprotected services to me in the past but believe / hoping she is selective with others but cannot say for certain. We usually communicate by text or by phone translation app while there as her English is not the best. I am concerned about passing anything along to my wife.

Just looking for some advice as to how to proceed. Currently, debating whether to take a dose of Doxy still today or let ride and test next Monday. Also will need to address if needing to abstain from sex with my wife, and how long, in the meantime as well.

Thanks

Edward W. Hook M.D.

55 minutes ago

Welcome to the Forum and thanks for your questions. Sorry to hear of your condom break as well. FYI condoms break, on average, about 1% of the time. I doubt that you did anything bad, just had a bit of bad luck.

I would consider this exposure low risk. As a professional, your partner checks regularly, reports a relatively recent negative test ( most people tell the truth), and even if she was infected, most single exposures in men lead to infection only abo ut 20% of the time on average. While seeking preventative therapy is a personal choice, I would not pursue that, prefer ring to get a definitive test 4-5 days after the encounter. Results for the most common STIs will be definitive at that time. ( besides doxycycline does not completely eliminate the risk of Gonorrhea- it is only about 60% effective for Gonorrhea prevention in these situations).

An additional possible approach who to ask your partner to test now, possibly offering to pay for her tests. If her tests are negative, you’re in the clear. EWH

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24 minutes ago

Thank you for the reply, Dr Hook. I do have a few questions, below, if ok. I also forgot to mention I did receive fellatio unprotected.

1)What is best guess regarding chance/odds I did acquire an STI from this encounter? Is gonorrhea or Chlamydia more probable, if anything, in this scenario?

2)What is the chance/odds for herpes or other of skin to skin infections. There were no lesions or other marks physically visible.

3)Is this low enough risk that you would not advise testing since I just received my results last week or still advise testing to be sure even if no symptoms?

4)Does her age play into less possibility transmission of anything?

My biggest concern is for my wife / marriage and have read that it is easier to prevent / abort STI’s vs full course of antibiotics once they are here. Which is why I asked the gonorrhea / chlamydia question above.

I do text / keep in touch with the CSW even when not seeing her so can ask about her testing. Hopefully without offending her.

What is your opinion on when can / should be able to resume sex with my wife?

Thanks, Dr Hook