[Question #12141] HIV Risk?

10 months ago

Hello Doctors!

I've read several responses here, but I'm still a bit confused. I (male) recently received a handjob from someone who might be high risk. During the handjob, they spent a lot of time rubbing the tip of my penis. If the individual had HIV and a cut on their finger, is there any chance that blood could have entered through my urethra while they were rubbing the tip of my penis, causing an HIV infection?

From what I've read, handjobs are generally considered no risk, but I’m unsure if that takes into account the possibility of blood transfer from rubbing the tip of the penis for a long period of time. Thank you for your help!

Edward W. Hook M.D.

10 months ago

Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for your questions and your implied confidence in our service. I'll be glad to comment, The CDC, the WHO and we all agree that receipt of masturbation is a no risk sexual activity. This is the case even if your partner has a cur, scrape or abrasion on their hand. In this case you apparently do NOT know that the person is high risk, you do NOT know that he had a cut on his hand, and you do NOT know that that if he had a cut, blood might have been transferred from it to your penis. I would have no concerns about the scenario you describe and see no medical reason for testing.

Please don't worry. EWH

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9 months ago

Thank you Dr. Hook! I am just curious, if an individual had a cut on their hand that was bleeding and was rubbing someone else’s urethra during a handjob would HIV transmission be possible? Or is there just not a significant amount of blood for that to occur/would the virus be inactive because it’s exposed to air?

I just want to make sure I’m ok even if the above IFs occurred.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

9 months ago

While there are no data or studies to inform the reply, I can’t imagine that the sort of exposure you describe would put you at risk. I suggest you stop worrying about “ what if” scenarios and move forward without concern. EWH---

9 months ago

Understood! Thank you Dr. Hook.

My last question here is that I just woke up with fatigue, body aches and a sore throat (no fever.) This is about 8 days after exposure. I just want to be 100% sure that this isn't HIV ARS since I didn't have an exposure. I honestly don't feel that run down, just a little sick. But I'm getting a bit anxious here. Thank you again for your help.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

9 months ago

As you know, we provide up to 3 responses to each client's questions. This will be my final response.

The ARS is a clinical flu-like syndrome in which persons who have recently acquired HIV have HIGH fever, SEVERE sore throat, and widespread joint and/or muscle aches. Some persons also have a widespread rash. When at risk persons have these symptoms, over 99% have something other than HIV including influenza, COVID, or one of the many viral illnesses that most people get from time to time. When persons experience the ARS, tests for HIV are ALWAYS positive, even though conclusive testing for HIV inn persons without symptoms take 6 weeks. If it will help your anxiety, you can test and prove to yourself that this is not the ARS. I am confident a test will be negative.

As I mentioned above, this will be my final response as part of this thread. Take care. Please don't Worry. EWH

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