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Confused ? Apr 8, 2001 I have heard and read that the HIV virus travels down the hole in the penis. I have also heard that it can 'get it' through microscropic cuts on the head, that you can get during sex. Which one is it or is it both ? And how are these cuts caused ? Thanks |
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| Response from Mr. Kull
 1) HIV can be transmitted when infected fluids come into contact with your bloodstream or your mucous membranes. 2) Mucous membranes are basically the lining of the passages or cavities inside your body that serve to protect you from infections and absorb nutrients. The lining of the vagina, anus and rectum, mouth and throat, urethra (the tube you pee out of), eyes, and nose, are all considered mucous membranes. 3) HIV can be found in blood, semen, cervical and vaginal secretions, and breast milk of infected persons. HIV can also be isolated in much smaller quantities in saliva and tears. 4) A person can get infected when HIV has access to the white blood cells (the immune system) of a person through absorption of HIV from infected fluids (blood, semen, cervical secretions) through mucous membranes or through direct contact with the bloodstream. 5) Sharing injection needles, sexual contact (vaginal, anal, and, to a lesser degree, oral), and mother-to-infant are the primary ways that HIV is transmitted. Infection through breast milk has only been implicated in infections from a mother breast feeding her infant. HIV is not spread through casual contact. 5) Cuts, sores, and sexually transmitted infections that are located or affect the mucous membranes of an individual can facilitate infection with HIV. The skin is an effective barrier against HIV, but deep, fresh cuts or wounds on the skin can serve as a route for HIV transmission and infection. 6) Unless the sex you have is particularly traumatic to the skin of your penis, it is unlikely that you would get cuts on your penis from sexual contact that would facilitate infection. You would be more likely to get infected through the urethra (the tube in your penis). 7) Using a latex condom should prevent HIV from coming into contact with your urethra when you have penetrative sex (vaginal, anal, or oral). Please read through the HIV and AIDS basics at The Body for more information on HIV, AIDS, and STDs. RMK | ||
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