Expert: Terry B - 11/1/2007

Question
I am a HIV- man becoming sexually active after a long abstinence (following the death of my lover from AIDS).  I want to be very safe when I have sex.  I have two related questions.

I knicked my scrotum near the base of my penis when trimming with an electric trimmer, I have a pretty deep knick there now.  I have a date tomorrow with a man who has made it clear he wants anal sex.  This is my first time having sex for many years!  Can I cover this with a liquid bandage?  Will it make it safe enough, if care is taken so the bandage does not peel off?

Also, I have Psoriasis. This has caused the skin at the base of my penis and on my scrotum to become thin.  Many times I have an outbreak that causes my skin to crack, especially on my balls.  How healed do I have to be in order to have safe sex?  Sometimes the area is very red and tender but the skin   is not broken.  Is it still safe to have sex then?

Answer
Dear John:

Peace.  You don't give me much time to give you an answer (tomorrow's date) but I will do my best.  

1) Your deep nick on your scrotum from an electric trimmer is hard to assess, if it is an open cut, it places you and your partner at risk.  Some of the liquid bandage solutions specifically advise against using on mucous membranes - please read directions carefully.  An option might be a gel-type bandage.  In either case, protecting yourself and your partner with a latex condom - put on prior to a full erection and using water-based lubricant - is your best way to reduce risk (short of abstinence).

2) Psoriasis in and of itself does not place you at risk except as you cite with thin and broken skin.   Again, covering the area with latex or protecting it from blood or semen in this case would reduce your risk significantly.

You speak of what your date wants; I would advise you to look at what YOU want, and for what you feel ready.  I strongly advise you to see a health professional for evaluation of your nick (it isn't exactly an easy area to examine and self-treat) as well as your psoriasis - there are new and more effective treatments that weren't available a few years back.

Again, I wish you the best and urge caution and a little research into both your own feelings and options to protect and improve your health.  Not to alarm you, but psoriasis sometimes presents as a symptom of HIV and I'd advise re-testing with a counselor who might also provide you with a broader range of risk reduction advice than I am able in this forum.

Sincerely,

Terry