[Question #1553] Risk of HSV/HIV ,Trimmer cut on the base of penis and protected vaginal sex
92 months ago
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
92 months ago
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Welcome to our Forum. We get many questions of this sort and the answers are always the same. First a few facts:
1. Most commercial sex workers do not have STIs, including HIV.
2. Even if they do, most exposures do not lead to infection.
3. Condoms are the most effective way to prevent STIs. Theoretically when a condom does not cover a part of the penis or genitals one might get an STI transmitted by skin to skin contact such as herpes or syphilis (but NOT HIV) but that risk is very, very tiny.
4. There has never been a study or even a reported case in which the small cuts associated with pubic or genital shaving have led to or increased risk for HIV or any other STI. Thus while this might be theoretically possible, the fact that this has occurred millions and millions of times and yet there is no evidence that shaving increases risk in any way.
Based on all of these FACTS (not theory) and millions of observations I can assure you that there is no meaningful risk for HIV from the exposure you describe and virtually no risk for herpes. There is no need for HIV testing related to t he events you describe. As for herpes, we do not recommend testing unless you develop lesions in an exposed area in the next 5-9 days. if this does not occur, be confident that you did not get herpes from this exposure.
My personal advice is that you should not be worried about this exposure, that no testing is needed and that you should move forward with no concern. I hope that you will be able to do this. EWH
92 months ago
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
92 months ago
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Your follow-up question is repetitive. As I told you, there is no demonstrated risk from an exposure of the sort you describe.
The issue of massaged into tissue refers to the fact that infections are more likely when friction is present a rubs the virus (or bacteria) into the skin,. This issue is not applicable to you.
The best thing a person who wants to reduce his risk for HIV can do is to use a condom correctly for all penetrative sexual encounters.
EWH