Is there an HIV risk from touching vaginal fluid?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had sex with a woman, but I do not know her HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) status. I used a condom, but I am afraid that the condom is not safe, and I might have come into contact with some of her vaginal fluid on my hand.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

A condom is much safer (about 80 percent) compared to unprotected sex. So you are safer to that extent even if she were HIV positive. But then, as you guessed right, condoms may not protect you from every infection or infestation. Therefore, it is good to see an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) specialist and seek his counseling.

You may require some tests based on symptoms, as well as other tests, even if there are no symptoms. If the hand has no cuts or open wounds, ulcers, etc., transmission through the skin on the hands is rare for most infections (unless you did not bring the wet hand into contact with your penis or other sensitive areas).

Kind regards.