Expert: Terry B - 5/2/2007

Question
hi sorry for my English but i want to know i put my pains on my girlfriend vagina does this transfer hiv and before 3 months she has herpes does this mean that she has hiv ok if i make a pcr test shall it give a definitive results after 6 weeks .

Answer
Dear Saeed:

Peace.   I will try to answer your question as best I can.  

The fluids that transmit HIV are semen, vaginal secretions, blood and breast milk; touching your girlfriend's vagina with your penis exposes you to her vaginal secretions (wetness from her vagina) and places you at some risk of HIV transmission, but only if she is infected with HIV.  You are at greater risk of contracting herpes from what you describe.  Having a Herpes infection does not mean she is infected with HIV, although people with HIV can also have Herpes.  

A PCR test will likely tell if you are infected with HIV, but in some cases (about 10%) it will indicate you may be infected with HIV when in fact you are not.  This is called a false positive.  

An  antibody test (ELISA and Western Blot) is really the best test for you to take, as you would be (I hope) protecting yourself and others from semen, vaginal secretions, blood and/or breast milk by abstaining or using a latex barrier.  You should also refrain from sexual contact until you know your Herpes status.

Because of language concerns and the value of a real live person to answer your questions, I would strongly suggest you find a voluntary testing and counseling site and/or a health professional, establish a relationship and trust with that person, and reduce the risk to yourself and your loved ones.

I wish you all the best, and please share this information with your girlfriend; she would benefit from care, counseling, and testing also.

All good things to you.

Terry