###Human: My HIV test is positive. What is the reason for contracting the virus? ###Assistant: Hi. For condoms to be effective, it has to be a latex condom used consistently and correctively and a newer condom for each sexual act. There should not be any break or it should not have slipped off during the act. If all the steps had been followed, then only it is said that 98 to 99 % effective in the prevention of STI and HIV. Unfortunately, condoms are not used properly resulting in failure rates. The tests which you underwent for HIV are highly sensitive and specific. There is no chance of mimicking any other infection. You need to initiate antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible. It is a really effective therapy.