Remember the razor controversy [him] 561 and on the blog at http://www.hivinfo4mm.org/blog/_archives/2007/12/5/3392138.html
Here is an answer to a question from UCSF. They don't even mention HIV. It is not mentioned because there has never been a case report of transmission. Razors are safe!
[him] moderator
******************************
Could I Have Acquired HIV from My Mother?
April 12, 2007
Answered by Oliver Bacon, MD, MPH, HIV InSite Medical Editor
Question
My mother is HIV positive and has been my whole life. My father died from AIDS when I was 4 years old, and I am now 21. Luckily, I wasn't born with HIV. My mother is very healthy and for the most part always has been. Anyway, I wasn't aware that she had HIV until I was about 16. Before I knew that she had HIV, I did some things that might have put me at risk for HIV: One time I used her dildo on myself, and I remember using her razor a couple of times. I've had horrible anxiety about getting tested and wondering whether I have HIV for the past couple of years. Should I be worried?
Answer
Your letter brings up many interesting questions, none of them having to do with HIV. Sadly, I fear that none of those questions are any of my business, so I'll just keep things focused on the virus.
1. Sorry about your dad.
2. Glad your mom is doing well.
3. It's really not a great idea to share razors or sex toys. There is a risk that razors could transmit hepatitis B or C, human papillomavirus (HPV), or the virus that causes molluscum contagiosum (another bumpy skin infection). Dildos (Does everyone know what a dildo is? If you don't, it's a fake erect penis made out of various rubbery materials) can transmit germs (viruses, bacteria, parasites) just like any other object that is inserted into a body cavity. Silicone dildos can be washed in the dishwasher or boiled between uses. Don't try this with a non-silicone dildo, or you'll wind up with a big mess. You can also put a condom on a dildo, which should come as no surprise.
4. All things considered, I think your risk of being infected with HIV from either the razors or the dildo is quite low. We just don't hear about people getting infected in this way. Not that it couldn't happen, of course.
5. If you want to know your HIV status, get tested. It's really the only way to know, and it might help relieve your anxiety.
Best of luck.
http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=ask-07-04-12
