Expert: Terry B - 12/3/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I have read quite a few questions and answers in this forum, however i
cannot understand how fragile HIV is.
I have read in a specific question that HIV deactivates on contact with
air (in a case that someone's penis touched the outside part of the
condom while removing it). On the contrary, I have read in a few q&a that
describe a situation where a lap dancer was touching/fingering herself
and then giving a hand job to a man that there is risk of infection.
My question is, does the virus really inactivates outside the body or
not?
i recently used toilet paper to remove the condom and accidentaly wipe the tip of my penis with the paper...

Thanks in advance


ANSWER: Dear Jim:

Peace.  HIV is not infectious if it is not in fluid; therefore if dried, it is not a risk.  If the fluids are not dried or partially dried, some risk persists.  Inside or outside the body is not the issue, presence of fluids is.

Hope this helps.

Terry

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your answer indeed.
one more question, please. do the amount of fluid plays any role in that situation? I mean, I have read that the transmission statistics for male/female intercourse are 1/1000 to if a condom is not used, however the amount of female fluid involved is much greater than in my case that I may had just a few drops on the toilet paper before wiping myself. Am I at the same risk as if i had unprotected sex or not?do u think a test is essential?

Thanks for your time and patience

Answer
Dear Jim:

Peace, and one last follow-up answer.  Wiping your penis with toilet paper most certainly does not place you at risk of HIV infection.

The amount of fluid is indeed a factor, as are the duration of and amount of area exposed to the fluids, the concentration of HIV in those fluids, the number of times (frequency) of exposures, and your general health at the time of the exposure (especially other infections).  

Transmission statistics are tricky - because there is no ethical way to conduct experiments to measure transmission, most of the data is based on what people report after the fact; and even one exposure can become an infection.

It is much more useful to realize that HIV is transmitted via blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk; one can limit the number of times one is exposed, the amount of the fluids, the duration and area of exposure (that is, a person who is receptive of the fluids in a sex act is at greater risk), and a good idea of the Sexually Transmitted Disease and HIV status of yourself and your sexual partner.
Sharing of injection drugs is tremendously high risk and should be avoided.

Reducing any of these factors reduces your risk; abstaining from fluid exchange is 100% effective; mutual monogamy and consistent and proper condom use are very effective in reducing chances of HIV transmission.

I hope this is enough information to be helpful to you, best to you and yours.

Sincerely,

Terry