Should I be concerned about this?
Hello, doctor.
Here's the situation: Before 8:00 PM, a dorm neighbor borrowed my computer (this neighbor is known to visit red-light districts).
After 8:00 PM, I was the only one using the computer.
At 8:08 PM, I impulsively watched adult content...
After finishing, while cleaning up, I suddenly became concerned that my neighbor might have left some blood or saliva on my mouse, which I then touched with my hand.
At that moment, I used my hand to grab a tissue, and then my fingers, which had touched the tissue, came into contact with the mucous membrane of my urethra.
I'm unsure what to do.
Is there a risk of contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections? Should I get tested in three months?
Hsun, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/31
Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine
Dear readers: You can refer to the information from the Centers for Disease Control.
A.
There are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1.
Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected person carries a risk of infection.
2.
Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming into contact with HIV-contaminated blood or blood products.
(2) Sharing needles, syringes, or diluents with intravenous drug users who are HIV-positive.
(3) Receiving an organ transplant from an HIV-infected donor.
3.
Vertical transmission from mother to child: Infants can acquire HIV from their infected mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
B.
Based on the above, it should be unlikely to contract HIV; however, since other sexually transmitted infections can also spread through contact, it is important to remain vigilant about personal behaviors and habits.
Thank you!
Reply Date: 2017/07/31
More Info
When it comes to concerns about potential STD risks from shared computer use, it's important to understand how sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are transmitted and the likelihood of transmission through indirect contact.
STIs, including HIV, are primarily transmitted through direct sexual contact, which involves the exchange of bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. The risk of contracting an STI from shared objects, like a computer mouse or keyboard, is extremely low. Most STIs cannot survive outside the human body for long periods, and they require specific conditions to remain infectious.
In your scenario, the concern arises from the possibility of your neighbor leaving behind bodily fluids on your computer. However, the transmission of STIs through surfaces is not a common route. For example, HIV does not survive well outside the human body and is unlikely to be transmitted through contact with a dry surface. Other STIs, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, also require direct contact with infected fluids during sexual activity to be transmitted.
To address your specific concerns:
1. Blood or Saliva on the Mouse: While it's theoretically possible for blood or saliva to be present on a shared device, the risk of transmission through this route is negligible. Most STIs would not survive long enough on a surface to pose a risk.
2. Contact with Your Urethra: The scenario you described, where your hand might have touched the mouse and then your urethra, does not constitute a high-risk situation for STI transmission. The act of touching a surface and then touching your body does not provide a conducive environment for the transmission of STIs.
3. Testing for STIs: If you are feeling anxious about potential exposure, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. If you have had unprotected sexual encounters or are experiencing symptoms, testing is recommended. However, in this particular case, the likelihood of needing to test specifically for STIs due to shared computer use is very low.
4. General Precautions: It’s always wise to maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands after using shared devices and avoiding contact with bodily fluids. If you are concerned about your neighbor's activities, consider discussing boundaries regarding shared items.
In conclusion, while it's understandable to be concerned about potential risks, the likelihood of contracting an STI from shared computer use is extremely low. If you continue to feel anxious, speaking with a healthcare professional can help alleviate your concerns and provide further guidance. Remember, maintaining open communication about sexual health and practicing safe sex are the best ways to protect yourself from STIs.
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