[Question #12001] Skin-to-skin risk assessment

11 months ago

I’m afraid of potential skin-to-skin STIs after an incident where I had a massage by a woman I don’t know. Nothing penetrative but she gave a massage while sitting on my buttocks nude. I’m concerned as I shaved my anus before and had small skin irritations, and her vagina rested on and lightly touched/rubbed against the intergluteal cleft region for maybe 6-8 mins. ’m scared of any possible skin-to-skin STIs like syphilis, HPV and genital herpes attributable to this event. How likely is transmission in this situation? Should I get tested before proceeding with penetrative sex? Thanks for your help.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

11 months ago

Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for your questions. I'm pleased to tell you that the encounter that you describe did not put you at risk for any STI. That you'd recently shaved your buttocks does not change this assessment, even if you nicked yourself during the shaving process. Similarly, contact with your partner's vaginal (and vaginal secretions during the encounter is likewise no risk. There is no reason for concern and no scientific reason for testing

I hope that this information is helpful. Please don't worry. EWH

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