Expert: Terry B - 9/10/2007

Question
The other day I had sex with my boyfriend of a few weeks who claims he's hiv negative. He topped me and wore a comdom. He then pulled out, and came on my stomach, and scrotum a little. After that, he kinda rubbed his semen arond my balls and penis. I then masturbated myself and ejaculated on my chest. After that, he rubbed his finger with semen on it around my anus, basically just around the outside. I'm not sure if it was my semen or his, but it got me a little worried. A few minutes later though, we both showered and I washed my anus/hole. Is there much risk of hiv infection, since it was all pretty much external and his semen was exposed to air for a few minutes?

Answer
Dear Mike:

Peace.  Semen and blood are two fluids capable of transmitting HIV from an infected person to another.  As long as the cells containing HIV are intact (that is, the fluids are wet), it does not make much difference how long they are exposed to air.  The factors increasing or decreasing risk include the amount of fluid, duration and frequency of your coming into contact with them, and your general health - including presence of sexually transmitted diseases, breaks in your skin or mucous membranes, or lesions/sores.  If the virus finds access to your blood cells, an infection can occur.

I recommend strongly that you talk with your health professional and/or an HIV/AIDS/STD counselor to discuss your risks and be tested.

Sincerely,

Terry