Used vaseline as a lubricant. The condom did not break. Am I at risk ?

[ArunShankar]

I had *protected* anal sex with a partner whose HIV status is unknown. I was the insertive partner. I used a condom, and used vaseline body lotion as a lubricant. The condom did not break or slip off. I ensured this at the end. I just read on the internet that one must not use oil based lubricants because the condom might break in between. I will keep that in mind from now on. My question is - Am I at risk because vaseline could have let the HIV virus in through the condom ? Does that happen ? Do oil based lubricants cause the pores in the latex condom to expand and let the HIV virus in ?

[malbat]

Hi ArunShankar, please keep all your postings in a single thread. I've copied your earlier posting here.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV-Prevention/Please-help-Scared-like-hell/show/2912948.

We warn against oil based lubricants because it weakens the condoms and makes it easier to break. Break as in wide open, like a peeled banana.Not create tiny holes that allows HIV to seep through. If the condom did not break, you had no risk.

[ArunShankar]

Malbat, on another occasion this is what happened : I was having sex with a man whose HIV status is unknown. I was lying on top of him, without a condom. I remember his penis had precum and I also remember him rubbing his precum on his stomach. Because I was lying on top of him, it is highly likely that my foreskin would have come in contact with his precum. I am uncircumcised. Assuming he is HIV +, what is the risk here ? Please help

[ArunShankar]

The point is his precum had been exposed to the air for only a few seconds before I got on top of him without a condom. He had precum on his penis, which he rubbed against his stomach and thighs. If the precum would have come in contact with my glans penis or foreskin, how risky was that ?

[malbat]

Core rule: sexually, transmission has to happen inside the body not outside. If you hold on to this fact, all your 'what ifs'  will be answered. Hiv is very hard to transmit, it needs very specific conditions to infect. Exposure to air, slight change of temparature will quickly damage it and render it useless. No one has been infected in the ways you describe.

If you're still worried, take a test, collect your negative result and move on with your life. I believe I have nothing more to add. Good luck.

[ArunShankar]

Thanks malbat. Your words have just helped me come out of severe anxiety. Thanks a ton.