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AIDS/vaginal fluids

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Expert: Terry B - 5/15/2007


Question
During foreplay a girls vaginal fluids came into contact with my penis which is circumcised though we used a condom for sex ...can i get aids????

Answer
Dear Welin:

Peace.  Vaginal secretions are one of the primary fluids that can transmit HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.  The amount of those fluids, the duration of your exposure, the presence or absence of sexually transmitted infection, all are factors which increase or reduce your risk.  Using a condom correctly means using it as a barrier between you and semen, vaginal secretions, and/or blood of another person.  HIV cannot pass through intact latex in such a way as to infect another person.  That protects you and your partner when a fluid exchange would otherwise occur.

The short answer is yes, you could be infected from such an encounter as you describe, but weighing the other factors helps you assess risk and it seems relatively small.  Being tested is the only real way to determine your status.

I hope this is of help to you.  

Sincerely,

Terry

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Terry B

Expertise

Help in assessing personal and professional risk of HIV transmission; tips in teaching about HIV/AIDS; cultural competency for teaching about HIV/AIDS in Catholic settings; considerations in US and overseas HIV/AIDS programs and education for health and other professionals. Specific questions about treatment should be referred to your health provider; opinions and information offered are not meant to replace medical advice

Experience

Seven years with academic medical center and national AIDS education and training center, seven subsequent years with focus on international HIV/AIDS in East and South Africa. Former clinician, bioethics preceptor at an academic medical center and presenter in wide range of fora including international AIDS conference.

Organizations
Disabled American Veterans American Public Health Association MENSA AA

Publications
Human Variety, EC Sociological Society Proceedings of the International AIDS Conference, Durban, South Africa "HIV and Primary Care"

Education/Credentials
BS Psychology MPH Master of Public Health PhD studies underway

Awards and Honors
Naval School of Health Sciences, Hospital Corps with Highest Honors, Neuropsychiatry with Honors and High Distinction

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