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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is HIV Transmission Possible Through Inanimate Objects?

Hello, I was traveling outside the country last week (Bermuda) and attempted to insert a tampon in a bar. The toilet paper fell out of the holder and in the commotion, I dropped the tampon in the toilet. It was late at night (nothing was open) and I had absolutely no prospect of finding a tampon until the next day so I inserted it. It has now been 3 days and I have no infection of any sort. Should I be concerned about infection (i.e., STDs/HIV)?
Mon, 24 Jul 2017
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Infectious Diseases Specialist,  's  Response
Hello!
Thank you writing in healthcaremagic.

Based on your history I think you should know that there is no risk to get
some STD and HIV, but exist only the risk that you can get trichomoniasis.

Furthermore you should know that usually we can get a STD from vaginal, anal, or oral sex but can be infected with trichomoniasis as well through contact with damp or moist objects such as towels, wet clothing, or toilet seats.
As well you cannot get HIV in this situation because HIV cannot live outside the body just few seconds.
So, I suggest to test just for trichomonas because 70% of infected people do not have any signs or symptoms.

I hope my answer helps you.
Regards.
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Is HIV Transmission Possible Through Inanimate Objects?

Hello! Thank you writing in healthcaremagic. Based on your history I think you should know that there is no risk to get some STD and HIV, but exist only the risk that you can get trichomoniasis. Furthermore you should know that usually we can get a STD from vaginal, anal, or oral sex but can be infected with trichomoniasis as well through contact with damp or moist objects such as towels, wet clothing, or toilet seats. As well you cannot get HIV in this situation because HIV cannot live outside the body just few seconds. So, I suggest to test just for trichomonas because 70% of infected people do not have any signs or symptoms. I hope my answer helps you. Regards.