[Question #10184] Can I get HIV for STI for my behavior ?

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25 months ago
Dear experts 
Hello. I am a 22 years old, male, from China.  About 5 days ago, I went to a massage parlor and ended up with an erotic massage. I received a handjob from the lady who provided the service, and I remembered putting my fingers in her virgina and fingered her. I can't be sure if I have touched my genital area with my hand with her vaginal fluid, but mostly likely I haven't. I also kissed her nipple, for a couple of seconds. 

About a day ago, I started to have a minor sore throat. I don't have a fever or any other abnormal symptoms. I would like to ask could I receive HIV or any other STI from my experiences ? Though I have read some posts from MedHelp and on this website, I am still quite concerned and probably a little paranoid over this. 
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
25 months ago
Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question, and thanks for reading other threads with questions similar to your own.

You are at no significant risk for any STD form these events. STDs are not transmitted by hand-genital contact or fingering of the vagina or rectum. Oral contact with skin, including nipples, is no risk. HIV is impossible in these circumstances. Sore throat almost never is an STD symptom. A cold or other minor viral infection almost certainly is the cause of your sore throat. Of course you could have that from your massage partner, or from anyone else in your near environment in the previous few days. As for HIV, symptoms cannot start sooner than 8-10 days after exposure.

You really do not need to be at all concerned. I do not recommend testing for HIV or any other STD.

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD
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25 months ago
Thank you very much for your reply ! Your comments are a huge relieft.
Besides, I still have a few doubts.You mentioned that I am at no significant risk for any STD. I'm curious that what level of risk this "no significant" indicates. 
Also, I'd like to ask if there is anything I should do ? Should I just forget about it and carry on ? 
Thanks again for your comments. 

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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
25 months ago
"No significant" was too careful a phrase. There is zero risk, period. Indeed you should "just forget about it and carry on"? Worry about STIs once you start having real sex, and take the usual precautions to reduce the risk -- but not until then!---
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25 months ago
Gotcha ! Thank you very much. Your advice is really helpful, and it is such a great relief. 
Thank you very much. 
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
25 months ago
Thanks for the thanks. I'm glad to have been of help. Best wishes and stay safe.---