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Possible exposure to hiv infected semen on towel
Hi, I'm a 34 years of age male. The other day I made the huge mistake of going to a massage parlor. Had never done it before. After massaging my back she wiped me with a wet towel all over. She then asked if I wanted a happy ending to which I stupidly agreed. After I ejaculated she wiped me with a hot towel including my penis and my scrotum. Now I'm freaking out and dreading that I might have exposed myself to HIV. Can one contract HIV in the scenario I just described. After 4 days and lasted for three I had a sore throat and my skin felt hot although my temperature was round the norm; 98.7. Should I be worried that the towel may have had someone's sperm on it. Again I'm not sure whether they wash them or just rinse them.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question.
Nobody ever caught HIV in the manner you have asked about. The virus is not transmitted through a contaminated environment, whether in toilets, by doorknobs, or towels. The only way anyone catches HIV in a massage parlor is by having unprotected penile-insertive sex, or sharing drug injection equipment, while there. In any case, I would bet the massage parlor uses fresh towels for each customer; even a "rinse" would be sufficient to kill HIV anyway. Your symptoms also are not worrisome, since HIV symptoms cannot start sooner than 10-14 days after exposure. You caught a cold.
So don't worry at all about this. Don't get tested, and if you have a regular partner, you can continue unprotected sex without fear of transmitting HIV or any other STD.
Regards-- HHH, MD
Nobody ever caught HIV in the manner you have asked about. The virus is not transmitted through a contaminated environment, whether in toilets, by doorknobs, or towels. The only way anyone catches HIV in a massage parlor is by having unprotected penile-insertive sex, or sharing drug injection equipment, while there. In any case, I would bet the massage parlor uses fresh towels for each customer; even a "rinse" would be sufficient to kill HIV anyway. Your symptoms also are not worrisome, since HIV symptoms cannot start sooner than 10-14 days after exposure. You caught a cold.
So don't worry at all about this. Don't get tested, and if you have a regular partner, you can continue unprotected sex without fear of transmitting HIV or any other STD.
Regards-- HHH, MD
A related discussion, handjob / towel follow up was started.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
HIV doesn't cause symptoms like this. See a doctor if they continue or you otherwise remain concerned. This thread is closed; I won't have any more comments or advice.
Hello doctor,
I'm really sorry to be back here again. I wouldn't bother unless I was desperate. I know you and everyone else here said I had no risk of hiv through a handjob and getting wiped with a damp towel. I had been doing really well with my anxiety and thought I was over it. But past 3 days I had diarrhea. Really strong. but even the diarrhea didnt raise my anxiety. just kept reading your posts snd your responses regarding my exposure to assure myself. i ended up drinking a whole bottle of pepto bismol and still no change. Today when I used the bathroom I noticed blood on the toilet paper. It wasn't bright red but type of orangee color. This is what freaked me out and got me nervous again about my risk of hiv. If you don't want to answer me ill understand. But if you do I would wholeheartedly appreciate it. Thank you.
I'm really sorry to be back here again. I wouldn't bother unless I was desperate. I know you and everyone else here said I had no risk of hiv through a handjob and getting wiped with a damp towel. I had been doing really well with my anxiety and thought I was over it. But past 3 days I had diarrhea. Really strong. but even the diarrhea didnt raise my anxiety. just kept reading your posts snd your responses regarding my exposure to assure myself. i ended up drinking a whole bottle of pepto bismol and still no change. Today when I used the bathroom I noticed blood on the toilet paper. It wasn't bright red but type of orangee color. This is what freaked me out and got me nervous again about my risk of hiv. If you don't want to answer me ill understand. But if you do I would wholeheartedly appreciate it. Thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Nope.
Hello doctor,
Please let me know if I need to pay for this answer.
Been suffering from light dizziness. Also a bit forgetful. Are these common symptoms of hiv?
Please let me know if I need to pay for this answer.
Been suffering from light dizziness. Also a bit forgetful. Are these common symptoms of hiv?
Thank you for responding. I hear a lot of stuff out there on the Internet. Some from people who aren't doctors and seem like they just want to scare people. My parlor visiting days are over no matter what. Thank you again for putting my mind at ease. I had thought about getting tested but at this point I don't see the point. Goodbye and thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
This information does not change my opinion or advice. You should not be concerned.
Best wishes to you and your wife for successful conception and rewarding parenthood.
Best wishes to you and your wife for successful conception and rewarding parenthood.
Hello doctor,
I know there are protocols about the number of questions that can be asked. Last time we communicated I explained my situation similar to others on the forum. I mistakenly said the masseuse cleaned my scrotum with a wet towel but I actually meant to say urethra. Does this make a difference in the risk factor? Since our conversation I have had intercourse with my wife five times as we are trying to conceive. I'll be lying to you if it wasn't in the back of my mind the possibility of infecting her even though you said it was impossible. This hasn't been any easier since I have also lost about 5 pounds. Should I be concerned? I would never forgive myself if I had infected my wife. I've been looking back at our thread continuously for reassurance. Kindly answer questions I have posted or provide any thoughts about my situation. I will really appreciate it.
I know there are protocols about the number of questions that can be asked. Last time we communicated I explained my situation similar to others on the forum. I mistakenly said the masseuse cleaned my scrotum with a wet towel but I actually meant to say urethra. Does this make a difference in the risk factor? Since our conversation I have had intercourse with my wife five times as we are trying to conceive. I'll be lying to you if it wasn't in the back of my mind the possibility of infecting her even though you said it was impossible. This hasn't been any easier since I have also lost about 5 pounds. Should I be concerned? I would never forgive myself if I had infected my wife. I've been looking back at our thread continuously for reassurance. Kindly answer questions I have posted or provide any thoughts about my situation. I will really appreciate it.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I'm glad to have helped. Thanks for the thanks.
Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with me doctor. I will sleep a lot better tonight. Thanks again.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The time can vary widely, depending on temperature, moisture, and the nature of the contaminated surface. But this doesn't really matter. Whatever the biological reasons, the fact is that such transmissions never happen. It is impossible to get enough virus into contact with susceptible cells from such events.
Disregard this event. It may have an emotional impact because of a sexual choice you regret. Deal with that aspect as you need to, but don't confuse it with any other health risk. There is none.
Disregard this event. It may have an emotional impact because of a sexual choice you regret. Deal with that aspect as you need to, but don't confuse it with any other health risk. There is none.
In your expertise in this field, is it true hiv only survives for a little while outside the body? If it does, about how long?
You are reading content posted in the HIV - Prevention Forum
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Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
