HIV transmission

I'm glad you asked because there are a lot of misconceptions out there about transmission. It sounds like you are concerned about another person's semen coming in contact with a possible cut. We are not medical professionals so couldn't determine your level or risk just based on the description, but we can provide information.


Do you know if the person you had this encounter with has a positive status? And if so, if they are being treated they may have an 'undetectable' viral load which eliminates the risk of sexual transmission, so you'd have to know if their viral load is undetectable.


In terms of transmission, we do know that HIV is not expected to live for long outside the body so this may lower your risk. More information on transmission here: https://h-i-v.net/transmission.


We think of testing as just a part of routine health care, so if you are looking for a place to be tested (or to get PEP, which is the medication you can take after a possible exposure) you can find one here: https://h-i-v.net/living/testing-locator


I hope this provides you the information you need. Please keep us posted on what happens next, and if you get a test and have more questions let us know! - Liz (Team Member)

Hello everyone. Your question is very interesting because it is a frequent topic in the LGBT community. The risk always exists, so it is advisable that when shaving that area you wait at least 24 hours for those pores to seal again and thus avoid exposure to HIV and other STIs. Remember that this area is irritated and more exposed than the rest of the skin.


It would also be good to know if the person with whom you had the sexual encounter is positive for HIV and also to know their viral load. If the person is positive and his viral load is undetectable, the risk of transmission is minimal if we take into account that the virus has a lifespan of approximately eight seconds when it is out of the body.


It would be highly advisable if you are sexually active and have frequent partner changes to use PrEP. and in conjunction with it the comdon.


I hope the information I have given you has helped you. Thank you for sharing your experience with us and thus helping everyone in general.

Alafia (Peace) I want to ask, how did you find us here at H-I-V.net? Thank you for reaching out with your question. I know has provided you with a link regarding HIV transmission. I would suggest that you take more time between shaving and sex. That may decrease your anxiety. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)