Can I get an STD from a hand job?
This is a very common question that I get from patients who come to see me. Some are worried about contracting STDs when giving or receiving hand jobs or masturbation from another person. Generally speaking, there is very little risk of contracting STDs from a hand job.
Even though it is low risk, it is still not zero risk. Let me share with you some points about hand jobs and STDs.
You getting the hand job VS when you’re giving the hand job
Generally hand jobs have very low risk of transmission of STDs. However, if you give the hand job, you are at lower risk of getting an STD as compared to when receiving one. Why is that? STDs tend to affect genitals more than our hands. So if you are at the receiving end, it is your genitals that are at risk. If you are giving the hand job, it is less likely for you to get STDs unless you touch your own genitals after giving the hand job.
Type of STDs that might be transmitted through a hand job
Not all STDs are transmissible via handjobs. It is usually the ones that are passed on through skin to skin contact that are transmissible.
These include:
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 1 and 2. This usually causes painful sores or vesicles around the lips or genital areas. There is no cure for the virus but you can take antiviral medication when the symptoms appear to reduce the duration and severity of the symptoms.
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): This virus usually causes genital warts. Warts are flesh coloured growths on the skin. There is also no treatment to treat the virus but there are different types of treatment available to remove the warts when they appear.
- Molluscum Contagiosum: This is causes by a virus that lives on the skin. It can also be spread via skin to skin contact. It appears as small firm bumps on the skin which are generally harmless and painless. They usually go away on its own or you can get it removed by a doctor through freezing or laser removal.
How can you prevent it? What is considered “safe sex”?
As how we advise for all STDs, abstinence is best.
Avoid multiple partners. Keeping to one partner minimizes the risk of STDs.
Avoid high risk exposure from sex workers or those who work in massage parlours. These workers have high exposure to several people a day so you will be at higher risk.
Condoms: Condoms may provide some protection. However do take note that areas not covered by the condom is still at risk of STDs.
Get tested to be sure!
If you’re ever in doubt, or unsure of your risks and or symptoms, do seek medical advice. The doctor will be able to advise if you need to get tested or get treated.
Also on Dtapclinic.com: HIV Test Singapore, STD Test Singapore, Anonymous HIV Testing
