Question
Dear Dr. Southall,
Few days ago, I had protective vaginal intercourse with a hooker. A slight problem occurred when I was fingering her vagina. Her vagina bled a little bit. I then realised that I had a small paper cut on my finger (i dont think at that time my finger was actively bleeding) that came into contact with her blood. I felt surprised and immediately washed my hands with soap. After that, she washed her vagina with water and we continued the intercourse. I dont think the condom broke and at the same time I was not so sure if her bleeding completely stopped.
I am worried right now. Based on your knowledge, am I now at high risk of contracting hiv?
Thank you in advance,
Ardi yamin.
Answer
Hi There has never been a known case of HIV transmission by fingering or any other sort of hand-genital contact. A cut risks HIV only if large, deep, and actively bleeding. A hang nail or paper cut is not a risk for transmission.
HIV transmission can only occur when there is a direct and prolonged exposure to body fluids, semen, vaginal fluid, blood or mother to child through breast feeding. This most commonly occurs through unprotected vaginal or anal sex and sharing of needles. Casual contact, sharing utensils, drinking after someone, etc are not way for HIV transmission to occur. If you go to this link HIV101 it will take you to our page that talks about the ways in which HIV is and is not transmitted.
The testing guidelines for HIV are to be initially tested at 3 weeks post exposure and then again at 90 days. As long as there are no other exposures happened during this time frame than the results are conclusive.
Be well and stay safe, Shannon