You are here:

AIDS/HIV Transmission confused

Advertisement

Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 12/7/2004


Question
Hello kristen and thanks once again for your feedback. I have done some research on my own called CDC and the SFAF and continue to get conflicting answers.  Here are my questions. 1. Does HIV absorb directy through mucous membrane with no trama? 2. Is mucous membrane only inside your vagina what about the outside? I have not had actual intercourse without a condom but had a situation where pre-cum may have come into contact with the outside of my vagina.

Answer
Yes, HIV permeates muscous membranes without trauma. However, having cuts or open wounds facilitates transmission. HIV does not travel through unbroken skin on the outside. The body has many mucous membranes-the vagina, the inside of the penis, the mouth, eyes etc.  

AIDS

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

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)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.