Expert: Terry B - 9/2/2007

Question
QUESTION: ok this is my story...
Im 25 years old, I started college and I met this girl that seen to be very nice, we dated for 2 months and then I knew she used to be a drug addict but she claimed she was in good health. So when the time came for us to have sexual intercourse, we talked about our past relationships and I know I'm clean since I been tested and the results were negative and she claimed she gets checked out every 6 months and she is good condition, but her dad is HIV positive but she claimed she is clean. So I did use protection and to prevent that the condom doesnt break I used K-Y jelly and it worked pretty good. During sex I made sure the condon doesnt get dry so I used K-y jelly. I replaced the condom everytime we did it. We did it 3 times and those 3 times I used a condom and the oil. Now my question is.... am I at risk of getting HIV god forbid she was positive since we did it 3 times that night?...


and my other question is
if theres blood in someones mouth and u just kissed this person is there any risk of getting infected?

ANSWER: Dear Lauren:

Peace.  Using condoms with a water-based lubricant such as KY jelly (which is water-based and not an oil) significantly reduces your chances of HIV transmission.  I am glad that you and your partner had a discussion of HIV status and testing, and it sounds like you are doing what is recommended to minimize your risk when having sexual intercourse.  While any exposure to vaginal secretions, blood, semen, or breast milk is some risk, reducing the amount of the fluids to which you are exposed is a good strategy for risk reduction.  Regarding your question about kissing, again, blood is a potential transmitter of HIV, but the amount to which you might have been exposed (unless the other is actively bleeding) is small.

If your relationship with this woman is strong enough, you might want to consider going together to a counseling and testing site to discuss your concerns and ways to ensure your health as a couple.  This might enhance mutual monogamy, another good strategy for avoiding HIV infection.

The best to you and your loved ones.

Terry

 



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

QUESTION: i THINK the reason that Im worried is because she mentioned that her dad has HIV and I get too scare when it comes to HIV subject.

Me and this girl broke up because she is a mom and needs to spend more time with her daughter (her daughter is 6 years old)

Answer
Dear Lauren:

Her father's HIV status should have no bearing on hers.  Feel free to browse through the forums here, or go to www.thebody.com or www.unaids.org to learn more about HIV and how you can help others learn about it as well.

The best to you in your relationships as well as health.

Terry