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AIDS/genital contact

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Expert: Terry B - 6/17/2007


Question
can aids be passed simply by the genitals touching eachother?  Even if there is
no penetration?

Answer
Dear Vanessa:

Peace.  HIV is contained in sufficient amounts to infect another person in blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.  Semen is the fluid excreted by the penis prior to (precum) and during ejaculation.  Vaginal secretions are the lubricating fluids produced in the vagina and present on the labia at times of arousal.

If the fluids are present, there is risk.

I hope this helps.

Terry

AIDS

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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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