I am a heterosexual woman in a relationship with a heterosexual Caucasian male age 36. He is the only man I have intimately been involved with for the past 2 years. We use condoms every time we have sex. We both get tested for HIV every 6 months and have consistently been negative.

My boyfriend typically has approximately 5 sexual partners (including myself) over the course
of a year. He uses condoms correctly and consistently each time. The time frame between
each partner has overlapped one another.

I would like to know how high is the risk of him or myself contacting HIV? Is the use of polyurethane condoms every single time with each partner adequate protection from STD's including HIV?**What is the failure rate?

A report by the National Institue of Health (NIH) reveals that about 40,000 Americans
get infected with HIV every year. That is about the same number as the number of Americans who die as a result of an automobile accident every year. Is having multiple sex partners, using condoms each time and having periodic
testing the same as driving while drunk with your seat belt on or is it more like the innocent
person who gets hit by a drunk driver?

I'm not certain about the percentage (we Americans love percentages and numbers - however, those percentages and numbers mean nothing once your the one infected). It sounds like you and your boyfriend are doing the right things. Keep it up. Any sex is risky, but we are human and sex is also very important in most of our lives. It is something most of us don't want to give up and SHOULDN'T have to give up. Sex is important to good overall health, just like exercise. As a female you are at a higher risk than if you were a male, as the virus passes easily through the tissues of the vagina. It is hard for males to get infected, unless they are gay or bi-sexual and have anal intercourse or inject drugs. Men/women may also get HIV though oral sex if both partners have bleeding in their mouths (ex: bleeding gums), but the risk is low.
I think you and your partner are playing safe. If you are both happy with your lifestyle I say don't worry yourself about it. BUT, continue with the safe sex and getting tested -- it's just plain smart. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif If you can't stop worrying about it or your worry starts to overwhelm you than you need to sit down and talk with your partner about your concern and make some changes in your lives.