Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 3/24/2007

Question
QUESTION: i had an unprotected sex with a prostitute but she said she is clean.

how should i know if i am infected or not?

how can sexual fluids get inside my body if i am a male? isnt it that the fluids from her vigina sticks only on the skin of my penis? i dont have any cuts or wounds at my penis.
ANSWER: To know whether or not you are infected, you need to get an HIV test.

You do not need cuts on your penis to contract HIV- there is an opening at the end of your penis which is one way for HIV to enter the body.

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

QUESTION: so that means even if i washed my penis with soap after sex i will still be infected with HIV?

But how can HIV enter the opening of my penis? shouldnt it go out when i cum?
ANSWER: Vaginal fluid containing HIV enters your penis and then is absorbed into the body.

It does not exit when you ejaculate.

Washing with soap and water does NOTHING to prevent the spread of HIV.

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

QUESTION: how does it really "enters" thru my penis? can you please give a more detail explanation? thanks! sorry if i ask too much.

Answer
You have an opening at the end of your penis called a urethra- it is one natural opening to the body where HIV can enter. HIV can enter natural openings (penis. vagina, anus, eyes etc and artificial openings (cuts, sores).

HIV enters through your urethral and is then absorbed by the body, which sometimes leads to HIV contraction.