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Avatar universal

Exposure to semen

I'm female, 25. A week ago, I found a broken, used condom in a shower. I don't know where it came from and it may not have been there very long. I handled it only enough to realise what it was and then washed my hands very thoroughly with soap and household disinfectant (but not bleach).

I know there's no risk from that aspect of the story. However, I then put on some rubber gloves (cleaning gloves, non-medical) and went back to the shower. Though gloves, I thoughtlessly had some possible hand contact with mucous membrane.

Can HIV stay infectious on your hands after washing with soap? Can it transmit via the semen-hand-genital pathway? I don't think my hands were perfectly dried at any stage. And, could the virus pass through standard household rubber gloves?

I know the risk is low, but my boyfriend and I have unprotected sex and I can't risk exposing him to that if there's any possibility.

N.B. Today and yesterday I've noticed a white tongue and tight feeling in my neck, and some nausea although I'd easily put that down to anxiety.
7 Responses
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755829 tn?1246919225
What the?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
HIV is not transmitted outside its Host..
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Was it because the virus can't survive in semen outside the body,

BINGO

The virus becomes inactive and incapable of infecting another when outside the body.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sorry to resurrect this, but Teak/Lizzie, may I ask why there was no risk? Was it because the virus can't survive in semen outside the body, or because of the hand-washing, or other? Just out of curiosity. Thanks.
Helpful - 0
186166 tn?1385259382
what a RIDICULOUS comment ! ! !
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Okay thank you Teak. I think I just need to hear it!
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Avatar universal
Move on. You were never at risk.
Helpful - 0

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