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Tribadism and hiv

Dear doctor,
I know you advice HIV testing, which I am highly considering, but I have two questions. There hasn't been much research on the subject, but I would like to know what are the chances of contracting HIV through a woman's urethra. Meaning if two women engage in tribadism (scissoring) what are the chances of contracting hiv?
And second, with this same position, if one woman has a vaginal irritation (no cuts) would this higher the risks?
Thank you for your time.
6 Responses
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300980 tn?1194929400
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Glad to help. EWH
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Avatar universal
Thank you.
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300980 tn?1194929400
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I would add however, that some STIs are more easily transmitted than others.  Of all STIs I would worry about this in, the major concern, I think, would probably be trichamonas.  EWH
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300980 tn?1194929400
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I understand the concern but again would suggest that this is analgous to the situation in which a male's urethra might be exposed to genital secretions during frottage.  While not specifically studied, we don't see infection due to this.  I would not worry. EWH
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Avatar universal
Thank you Dortor Hook, but what about vaginal fluids entering (in the supposed case) the other woman's urethra or any other opening?  
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300980 tn?1194929400
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to our Forum and thanks for your question. I was not familiar with the term tribadism for scissoring.  While there is no research that I am aware of on the subject, I would think that tribadism should be considered a form of frottage (non penetrative genital rubbing) and such activity however is not a risk for HIV or any other STI.  In frottage, since friction is part of the activity by design, chaffing and irritation is common, yet again, there is no risk for HIV.

I would not worry about HIV risk from tribadism and see no need for HIV testing related to the process.  I hope my comments are helpful.  EWH
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