[Question #12006] Massage Risk HIV/ Hep B, C, STD's

11 months ago

I had a massage encounter with a Thai lady in Australia. During the massage she somehow cut her index finger,(palm side) and it looked like a paper cut no blood, she put isopropyl alcohol and covered the cut with a band aid(though I'd say it wasn't fully covering the cut) and she later on gave me a handjob, my concern is if she had any blood in the cut and if it somehow got in me during the handjob (penis urethra) am I at risk of HIV, Hepatitis and other STD's

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

11 months ago

Welcome to the forum. Thank you for your succinct question.

Massage always is risk free from HIV and other STIs, and hand-genital contact also does not transmit STIs, even if genital fluids are used for lubrication. Cuts on the hands make no difference: not nearly enough HIV or other blood borne viruses can be transmitted, especially in absence of visible blood. And anyway, blood contact with skin is no risk either. You are not at risk and do not need testing; and if you have a regular sex, you can safely continue your usual sexual life with that person.

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

HHH, MD

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10 months ago

Thank you for your response doc, i however have one last query. My anxiety is getting the best of me as i know i didnt see blood on her cut and i just want to ask even if there was blood on the cut of her hand which she didnt cover with band aid proceeded with the handjob, is there still a risk of contracting anything ?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

10 months ago

I'm sorry "anxiety is getting the best of [you]" but there's nothing I can do about that except tell you (again) to believe the science. The scientific facts don't change, and neither does my evaluation or advice.

Maybe it will also help you to know that in the 20 years of this and our previous forum, with thousands of questions from people worried about HIV, nobody has turned out to be infected. You won't be the first. If and when it finally happens, it obviously will not be from a zero risk exposure like yours!

You are not at risk. Suck it up, believe it, and move on.

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