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AIDS/HIV Transmisson Question

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Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 5/12/2008


Question
Being concerned about HIV and other STDs I choose to practice safe sex. Yesterday I mutually masturbated with a female. We didn't touch each other, but just watched each other masturbate.

After I came, she got me a towel from the bathroom so I could clean myself. Is it possible to transmit HIV if she touched her vagina, then touched a towel which I used to clean myself off?

Answer
If she wiped herself and then passed it directly to you, then it is conceivable that the towel could transfer her fluids to your body. For HIV transmission to occur, her fluids would have to enter your body (presumably through your penis). I cannot say it is impossible but it is pretty unlikely that you would get HIV in this way.

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Volunteer

Kristen Brannock, MPH

Expertise

I can answer questions concerning HIV infection and AIDS. This includes ways it can and cannot be transmitted, how it is treated, how it affects the body and methods to protect yourself. I can also answer questions concerning safer sex and contraception.

Experience

I trained with the Red Cross to become an HIV/AIDS counselor and was a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service in college. I have an MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education and conduct research in the field of HIV prevention. I also take continuing education courses in HIV/STI prevention periodically.

Education/Credentials
Master of Public Health Health Behavior and Health Education UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health (formerly UNC-CH School of Public Health)

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