[Question #13895] Medical Query Regarding HIV Transmission Risk

1 months ago

The activity involved mutual masturbation and frottage between two males, performed entirely over clothing. Both individuals were wearing two layers of clothing (underwear and pants) throughout the entire encounter. There was no direct skin-to-genital contact, no direct genital-to-anal contact, and no penetration of any kind.

In addition, the source partner subsequently underwent an HIV Duo (4th generation antigen/antibody) test 18 days after the exposure, and the result was negative.

1 months ago

My questions are:

Would this type of exposure be considered zero risk / no risk for HIV transmission?
Does the source partner’s negative 4th generation HIV test at 18 days provide additional reassurance in this context?

1 months ago

3.Does the fact that the activity occurred completely over two layers of clothing eliminate the possibility of HIV transmission?

Based on this exposure alone, would any HIV testing be medically indicated for me?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

1 months ago

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your confidence in us.

The events you describe are no more risky for HIV than shaking hands would be -- absolutely zero risk. HIV cannot be transmitted sexually without direct body contact (without clothing) and almost never unless there is penile penetration into a partner's vagina or rectum. (Even oral-genital sex is nearly zero risk.) In addition, your partner's HIV test is 100% proof he didn't have HIV at the time of the event.

Those comments pretty well cover your numbered questions, but to assure no misunderstanding:

1. Yes this was zero risk for HIV.

2. Yes, the negative test means he could not have had transmissible HIV during the event.

3. Clothing is 100% protective.

4. No, you should not be tested for HIV (or any other STI) on account of this event.

Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

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1 months ago

So do I conclude that

With two layers of clothing that access does not exist because it blocks the direct exposure route required for hiv infection. ?

1 months ago

Clothing is 100% protective.

You mean to say protective against hiv ?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

1 months ago

Yes against HIV. Even a single thin layer (like women's panties) provides 100% protection. HIV and other STI bacteria and viruses do not pass through fabric.---
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1 months ago

I have few red spots on chest but I would take them as cherry angiomas and not hiv related as you say that I can not get hiv due to clothing barrier and also the source partner has had negativehiv duo test

This encounter does not carry any risk as per your answer ?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

1 months ago

A "few red spots" does not fit with any STI. I'm not going to repeat my replies to the second question.

That completes the two follow-up comments and replies included with each question and so ends this thread. I hope the discussion has been helpful. Best wishes and stay safe.

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