Sorry, i wasn't saying not to use condoms, or that as a active partner you should feel more safe - i always do use condoms for anal intercourse and i am the active partner. I was just trying to understand all i can about the process of infection, and how it really happens/comes about.
until you are in a monogamous relationship where both of you have tested...ALWAYS use condoms for penetrative vaginal / anal intercourse. sex lasts a few minutes...HIV LASTS A LIFETIME ! ! !
Is this why i heard the passive partner is in more danger (even if only slight) than the active partner in anal sex, as the skin of the anus is more likely to rip than the skin of the penis. Meaning its easier for infected pre-cum/cum from the active partner to enter the bloodstream of the passive infecting them, than the other way round (the blood/or infected anal mucous to enter the bloodstream of the active partner?) Sorry if that sounds really complicated and you don't know what i mean.
Yes you r right , that is one of the reason Gay Sex is considered a more risky activity as compare to a hetero peno-vaginal , since the anus is less flexible and lined by delicate mucus membranes so penetration can cause easy friction and thus the risk, but in your case you are very safe and had no exposure , but be carefull and use condoms next time.
And it needs to enter the bloodstream somehow right? It can't just break through healthy skin into the bloodstream? Even if you were penetrating, there'd have to be some way of it breaking through as its a vulnerable virus?
Sorry for all the questions. I just want to understand all i can. Its a subject i actually find very interesting and important.
Yes, transmission has to happen INSIDE the body where the virus is preserved and not exposed to the elements. If it is exposed, it becomes inactive and unable to infect.
Yes, do be careful with the alcohol, especially with a history of anxiety. It's common for people with anxiety to want to "self medicate" which can turn into an addiction quite easily.
We have a great anixety community here, stop over if you need some help!
Thanks very much for your quick reply. I think you all do a great job here by the way. I have educated myself a lot about HIV because i think its necessary as a gay young man, but i do suffer a bit from depression and anxiety. So really, having a place like this to turn too when you're feeling anxious about stuff is great.
And yeah, i know i have an alcohol problem. But sometimes its the only way i feel i can turn. I will try and address that though. Thanks so much for your answers.
Can i ask, why does penetration make it so much different? Is it as it could cut both my penis/their anus resulting in infection/HIV getting in to my blood? Or is their other factors such as the virus not being exposed to air?
They are just wonderings though - if you do not have time to answer them do not worry. Thanks so much for your time.
You did not have any risk...only insertive anal sex would be a risk. Just continue to use condoms for anal sex and you won't ever have anything to worry about.
Also, be cautious about drinking excessively and then getting into intimate situations. That can lead to unsafe encounters you may regret later.
transmission requires penetration