Question
Is a short exposure a risk for HIV? Will washing help?
25 June 2007. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, PEP/PEPSE.
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
Penetrative sex that is not protected with a condom is always a risk if your partner is HIV-positive.
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.