Please answer this question!! I know that you receive hundreds of questions, but this is driving me mad!!!!!!!!

I had an HIV test (negative) some months ago. Since then I have only had sex with my boyfriend (also tested negative before our relation). Sometime ago, to tell you the truth I cannot even remember when, I made the mistake of wiping myself in the toilet with a discarded sanitary towel (not mine!) and that is putting me on edge (really obsessed!!) about getting HIV in that form. How long does the virus survive in contact with the air?

I have shared my fears with my boyfriend but he refuses to believe that there is a real risk. We are still having unprotected sex (he refuses point-blank to consider that there is any risk at all) but to it has kind of put me off and is definitely affecting our sexual life, our relation and my sanity.

Thanks.

Well, I'm going to join your boyfriend in saying that it is extremely unlikely that you were infected with HIV that way. For more information on your question, please refer to How long does HIV survive outside of the body?.

Is your obsessiveness new? Or have you obsessed about other things as well? If this information doesn't help what you call your "obsession," I would recommend that you talk with someone about your concerns who might be able to help. A hotline counselor or a mental health professional might provide you with some insight.

RMK