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.
Hi Rahul,
Please see question one here:
http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
I paid a woman for sex. I didn’t use a condom. I don’t know what her status is.
Hi Sunday,
Please see question one here:
http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
I had sex with condom and during the last two to three minutes the condom went off unknowing to me am I at a high risk of getting infected
Please see:
http://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
i was bathing with a girl and my penis touched her vaginal area can i have hiv through that
Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to answer questions about risks of transmission and testing.
But you can find out more about HIV transmission and testing here:
http://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
And you can find out more about PEP here:
http://i-base.info/guides/testing/pep-pepse-and-prep
I had sex with an HIV positive girl, we went to the hospital and I was given PEP. She is on medication for six months. But after 28 days we had sex with a condom but it broke. Am I at risk?
I’m sorry but i-Base no longer answers individual questions about risks of HIV transmission or HIV testing.
This service is based on information relating to treatment of people who are HIV positive.
Information online
Most testing questions are already answered on the FAQ page:
http://i-base.info/qa/faq/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Our guide to HIV Testing and risks of sexual transmission guide has more detailed and easy to read information about these topics. It can be read online at this link:
http://i-base.info/guides/testing
Worried about HIV?
If you are worried about a possible infection contact your local testing centre.
In the UK you can find your nearest clinic using the NHS website:
http://www.nhs.uk/ServiceDirectories/Pages/ServiceSearchAdditional.aspx?ServiceType=SexualHealthService
Understanding HIV test results:
If you do not understand results from an HIV test, please contact the centre where you were tested.
Worried about symptoms?
If you are concerned about any symptoms please contact a doctor.
i had a sex with a condom but after sex i took out it but when i put back my penis in the pant, my penis was drenched in the fluid that i got in my pant from her
is there any chance of hiv infection?