Question

Does washing after sex reduce the risk of HIV?

21 January 2017. Related: All topics, HIV transmission.

I used a condom for sex with a woman but it slipped in the final minutes. I didnt ejaculate inside her. After intercourse, the condom was on the tip of the penis.

Menwhile, she was washing herself from time to time (3 times, she just interrupted and went to the bathroom to wash with soap).

Further, immediately after the intercourse, I washed my organ with Povidone Iodine solution too.

I am now too much worrieed. What will happen?

I learned that the minimum time for HIV to be detected is 2-8 weeks… what should I do?

I am not a regular womaniser but it was just the alcohol which caused this. It was the first time. I am married and have a child.

I am very worried.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Washing after sex does NOT reduce the risk for HIV, and two studies have shown it might INCREASE the risk (see below).

However, from the details, you are not at risk of HIV as you used a condom.

It is very common for people to have sex at different times, even if they have partners and families. So long as you use a condom, this will protect against HIV.

Washing with iodine is not a good idea.

One study in AIDS relates to the risk in women:
Vaginal washing and increased risk of HIV-1 acquisition among African women: a 10-year prospective study.

This study from IAS 2007 relates to uncircumcised men.
Male post-coital penile cleansing and the risk of HIV-acquisition in rural Rakai district, Uganda

However, this study of washing in circumcised men did find a benefit.
Independent association of hygiene, socioeconomic status, and circumcision with reduced risk of HIV infection among Kenyan men

This answer was updated in January 2017 from a Q&A first posted in August 2007.