POZ Community Forums

HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: filmfan on October 29, 2006, 03:25:45 pm

Title: Small but possible risk??
Post by: filmfan on October 29, 2006, 03:25:45 pm
Hi All,

First off I want to say that you guys are really incredible people.

My question: I recently had protected anal sex with a female friend of mine of unknown status, during which she was in her menstrual cycle. I've read the lessons but wanted to get a little more clarification on my possible risk, (or perhaps just some reassurance from the experts  :) ). Anyways, thanks in advance for your help. It is very much appreciated. 
Title: Re: Small but possible risk??
Post by: Ann on October 29, 2006, 03:54:44 pm
Film,

Condoms have been proven to be effective for the prevention of hiv infection and it does not matter is there if menstrual blood present or not - they still protect. You had protected intercourse and therefore you were not at risk.

You need to be using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions until such time as you are in a securely monogamous relationship where you have both tested for ALL STIs together. To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with a sexually transmitted infection.

Have a look through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence.

Anyone who is sexually active should be having a full sexual health care check-up, including but not limited to hiv testing, at least once a year and more often if unprotected intercourse occurs.

If you aren't already having regular, routine check-ups, now is the time to start. As long as you make sure condoms are being used for intercourse, you can fully expect your routine hiv tests to return with negative results. Don't forget to always get checked for all the other sexually transmitted infections as well, because they are MUCH easier to transmit than hiv.

Please also read through the Welcome Thread (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=220.0) and follow the Transmission Lesson link.

Keep using those condoms and you will avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple.

Ann
Title: Re: Small but possible risk??
Post by: filmfan on October 29, 2006, 04:17:25 pm
Thanks Ann for the quick response. Again, I really apprectiate it!!