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
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.
I’m sorry that i-base no longer answer individual questions about the risks of HIV transmission or HIV testing.
This is because information on both these subjects are now online in two resources:
Your questions are already answered on the FAQ page:
http://i-base.info/qa/faq/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Also this detailed and easy to read guide:
http://i-base.info/guides/testing
I had sex with my boyfriend using a condom. The condom slipped as he was coming out and some of the semen got around my vagina but nothing got inside then I took a quick shower. Should I be worried?
No you cannot get HIV this way
I had sex with a prostitute last night. I used a condom. After I removed the condom the tip of my penis touched her vagina. Can I get HIV this way?
The risk is really low. It is always advisable though, for people who have regular sexual life to have HIV tests every six months.
I had protected sex with a
Mutual masturabation, masturbation and French kissing are not ways that you can catch HIV, so you will not be HIV-positive from this or any similar encounters.
I went on a date with a girl without knowing her HIV status. We French kissed and masturbated each other. After 1/2 an hour I washed my fingers with soap till soap goes off. (I checked my fingers, have no cuts on it). Then washed my organs.
Again washed my hand with soap solution and masturbated after that (using the same fingers)
Now after 15 days I had nose & throat irritation, headache, mild body/muscle pain, consulted doctor & took medicine. The symptoms have not completely gone even after 7 days of medication. Then I took anti allergy tablet for two days which gave me comfort, again same symptoms are appearing
I know it takes at least 3 months with ELISA test before I can test for HIV, but the worries will kill me even before.
Please help me to know the possibility of me being infected. I need your help badly
Dear vd, the short slippage still sounds like a low risk, but testing again in two months will confirm this.
Smoking is not good for your health whether or not you are HIV-positive.
Thanx Simon,
But what about the accident and the slippage of the condom?
Today, I got the test and it was negative but I will re-test in 2 months.
Further, I am a chronic smoker…any additional health hazard expected with it?
Thanx again for your prompt response.