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Is HIV transmission possible from semen contact only?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a male. In an encounter with another man, some semen contacted my urethra or penis from mutual masturbation. There was no penetration or anything else. From the encounter, I got trichomoniasis, which got cured with antibiotics. However, now I am too scared to get tested for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), which has a significant psychological impact on my life. Would you please help me with assessing the risk? Should I require seeing a psychologist?

Kindly help.
Answered by Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra is a Community Medicine Specialist dedicated to promoting public health and preventive care. His expertise includes epidemiology, health education, disease prevention programs, community health assessments, and policy planning. He is committed to improving population health outcomes through research, awareness campaigns, and evidence-based interventions.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for the query.

The chances of transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) by a single act are very low. If he is HIV negative, there is no chance of transmission. From the description, it appears that more than three days have elapsed since the encounter, so there will be no benefit of PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). Anyway, you can go for HIV 1 and 2 RNA (ribonucleic acid) PCR (polymerase chain reaction) after 12 to 14 days of exposure, followed by an HIV antibodies test after three months of exposure. It would help you to relieve anxiety. If you are too anxious, you can consult your psychologist for counseling.

I hope this helps.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Would this be considered a risky encounter? or does it cannot be transmitted in this way?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra is a Community Medicine Specialist dedicated to promoting public health and preventive care. His expertise includes epidemiology, health education, disease prevention programs, community health assessments, and policy planning. He is committed to improving population health outcomes through research, awareness campaigns, and evidence-based interventions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If there is contact of semen with your genitals as mentioned, there is a possibility of transmission of HIV if he is HIV positive. Even if so, the risk is low with a single encounter. Otherwise, the risk is nil.

I hope this helps.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At December 2, 2021
Reviewed At December 8, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra is a Community Medicine Specialist dedicated to promoting public health and preventive care. His expertise includes epidemiology, health education, disease prevention programs, community health assessments, and policy planning. He is committed to improving population health outcomes through research, awareness campaigns, and evidence-based interventions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Dermatology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra is a Community Medicine Specialist dedicated to promoting public health and preventive care. His expertise includes epidemiology, health education, disease prevention programs, community health assessments, and policy planning. He is committed to improving population health outcomes through research, awareness campaigns, and evidence-based interventions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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