Advertisement
Professionals >> Visit The Body PRO
The Body: The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource
Sign up for free e-mail updates!The Body en Espanol
Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.

Ask the Experts about Safe Sex and HIV Prevention
  • E-mail E-Mail
  • Glossary Glossary
Recent AnswersAsk a Question

 

HIV Positive and wanting to get ears pierced
Sep 25, 2009

Hi there - not sure which area I should ask this but maybe you can help.... I'm HIV+ and am getting married next April for which I have a stunning dress blah blah blah and I'd love to get my ears pierced.

I'm in the UK but I'm assuming it would be the same for USA - is it 'ok' for me to go to a regular piercing place and not tell them my status? I'd like to think they all have guidelines to follow anyhow and should deal with all piercings the same way ie hygiene wise? Or am I being naive?

So basically - am I duty bound to tell them which will then probably freak out the piercer?

Advertisement
   Response from Dr. Frascino

Hi,

There is no need to disclose your HIV status when getting your ears pierced. Universal precautions have been in place for many years to prevent transmission (in either direction) of blood-borne diseases (HIV, hepatitis, etc.). Remember, many HIVers have absolutely no idea they are infected (1 in 5 here in the U.S.!). So, go ahead and get your diamond studs or shoulder dusters without worry, OK?

Congrats on your upcoming walk down the aisle.

Dr. Bob



Want to read more questions and answers on this subject? Our experts have answered many similar questions!



Terms of Use
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.

Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their messages.

Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.

Copyright notice.

Advertisement