Oklahoma City, OK
A 18-year-old female asked:
i'm a hypochondriac and i've convinced myself i have hiv from mutual masturbation. is this possible? hiv risk from semen getting into hang nails?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 46 years experience
Improbable: If you have open wounds/sores and or your partner had the same, you could pass something like HIV between you. However, this germ is sensitive to rapid inactivation if it is outside the body, and semen is not the primary carrier. It is the abrasive mechanics of sex that brings skin surfaces with serum or blood that would pass the germ.Using tainted toys could also pass germs.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Lynne Weixelanswered
Clinical Psychology 36 years experience
Seek HIV counseling: Read online or seek live counseling and even a test to calm yourself. You don't say if your "sex-buddy" is HIV positive. If not, there's no risk for sure. If unknown, they might test too. If positive and your hang nails aare openly bleeding there's a small risk - very small. Consider CBT therapy to help w/ hypochondria. Best!
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ed Friedlanderanswered
Pathology 44 years experience
Glad u have insight: If a hangnail is not actively bleeding, it's protected by a layer of fibrin from infection. You're not going to get HIV that way. Remember that the large majority of wives of HIV-positive husbands, before there was treatment, having unprotected sex did not convert. Cognitive-behavioral or other therapy for your hypochondriasis would be a wonderful gift for yourself. Be brave & go for it. Cheers.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
Hilliard, OH
A 22-year-old male asked:
Doctors please help me is hiv transmitted with mutual masturbation if the other person masturbated and used his semen as lube on meand french kissing ?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Robert Kwokanswered
Pediatrics 33 years experience
HIV transmission...: HIV disease is not transmitted that way. There are many, many informational sources on how HIV is transmitted if a partner has HIV. Of course, if no partners and no objects have HIV, it is impossible to transmit HIV. Here is a Canadian webpage with details about ways HIV is transmitted: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/hiv-aids/risks-hiv-aids.html
319 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Feb 20, 2019
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