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AIDS/Am i at less risk?
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Question
Please help me.
I did an HIV test almost 1yr ago which was negative,i never had unprotected sex until 1 month ago.Now I'm really worried again.
Does using my finger & plenty of water to wash out my vagina immediately after the guy cum inside me make it less likely for me to get infected with HIV if he's infected?
Dear Roxy:
Peace. Not every person is infected, and not every exposure causes an infection. Washing the interior of your vagina afterwards is of questionable benefit, while on one hand it might remove potentially infectious semen, on the other it can disperse the fluid more widely across your mucous membranes. Douching after intercourse was noted to increase, not decrease risk. One potential exposure here but it was high risk behavior, please be tested after six weeks has passed and talk with your health professional or testing counselor about how to reduce your risk.
Best to you and yours,
Terry
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Terry B
Expertise
Help in assessing personal and professional risk of HIV transmission; tips in teaching about HIV/AIDS; cultural competency for teaching about HIV/AIDS in Catholic settings; considerations in US and overseas HIV/AIDS programs and education for health and other professionals. Specific questions about treatment should be referred to your health provider; opinions and information offered are not meant to replace medical advice
Experience
Seven years with academic medical center and national AIDS education and training center, seven subsequent years with focus on international HIV/AIDS in East and South Africa. Former clinician, bioethics preceptor at an academic medical center and presenter in wide range of fora including international AIDS conference.
Organizations
Disabled American Veterans
American Public Health Association
MENSA
AA
Publications
Human Variety, EC Sociological Society
Proceedings of the International AIDS Conference, Durban, South Africa
"HIV and Primary Care"
Education/Credentials
BS Psychology
MPH Master of Public Health
PhD studies underway
Awards and Honors
Naval School of Health Sciences, Hospital Corps with Highest Honors, Neuropsychiatry with Honors and High Distinction
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