Indirect vaginal fluid

Hey Doc,
I am a little worried about a possible exposure with an ethiopian woman.  First off, as far as I know, she was not a sex worker, but before me I don't know.  Second, the event I feel was safe sex.  So I want to know what your risk assessment is.  We engaged in kissing.  I noticed no sores or cuts.  My lips are chapped.  We also had vaginal sex with a condom that did not break, slip, or fall off.  Before we had sex, I fingered her to orgasm and put the condom on.  She was very wet.  My hands may have been wet with vaginal fluid when I put the condom on.  Also, licked my hands to use for lubrication.  After, we washed up.  I think I may be over-reacting but I was in Africa.  Thanks for your help.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Given that, in general, HIV is more common in sub-Saharan Africa than elsewhere, I can understand your anxiety but I can assure you that you really have little to be concerned about.  Let's take your exposure apart, piece by piece:

1.  For starters, you do not know that your partner had HIV. Even in parts of the world where HIV is more common, most people do not have HIV.
2.  If she was infected, HIV is not transmitted by kissing, even with chapped lips..
3.  Condom protected vaginal sex is safe sex,.  IF she was infected, your risk form a single condom protected exposure is less than 1 in 100,000 and perhaps lower.
4.  Masturbation is also safe sex.  There is no HIV transmission with masturbation.
5.  That you had her vaginal fluid on your hands when you put the condom on is no risk, nor is licking your hands

Bottom line. this was a no risk exposure.  I would not even recommend testing for this.  EWH

[concerned7812]

thanks doc.  is there any other risk of std other than hiv and should i get tested. it feels like when i'm done urinating not everything comes out and is left in there.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, STDs are not transmitted by masturbation or kissing.  EWH