Question

Is a short exposure a risk for HIV? Will washing help?

25 June 2024. Related: All topics, HIV transmission.

My condom split while having sex with a woman. It was 2 or 3 minutes before I realised.

On removing my penis I then washed it thoroughly.

What is the chances of me having contacted the virus?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

If your partner is on effective HIV treatment then the risk of transmission is zero, with or without a condom. This is called U=U:
https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/

If viral load is detectable and they are not on treatment, then condoms stop the risk of HIV. Not using condoms though will be a risk for HIV.

The short duration here means your risk is probably very low.

It is higher if you have other sexually transmitted infections, if you are not circumcised and if your partner has a high viral load.

Washing with soap and water after sex is not recommended as one study reported that this increases the risk of HIV transmission.

This question from 2007 was updated in 2024.