[Question #12820] STI risk from lap dance/masturbation

4 months ago

Hello,

I visited a strip club and received a 10 minute lap dance in which the stripper was completely naked and I was fully clothed. I touched the stripper's body all over with my bare hands (breasts, nipples, butt, thighs) but everything was surface-level (no penetration using my hands/fingers). I did not touch her vagina. Immediately after the lap dance, I masturbated using my hand but regrettably I did not wash my hands before I masturbated. I am wondering if I put myself at risk for any STIs (syphilis, herpes, HPV, etc) by touching my bare penis with my hand right after touching her body. Thank you.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

4 months ago

Welcome back, but honestly I don't understand the need in view of our discussion in response to your question a month ago. My main comment in the last follow-up discussion was this, and it covers your strip club experience:

That some STIs are transmitted primarily by skin contact does not mean ANY skin contact. It's genital-to-genital contact only, and almost always with penetration. There is no STI/HIV risk from the skin surfaces you mention.

Nobody ever gets STIs of any kind from lap dances. Even hand-genital contact or finger penetration is risk fee. You do not need testing for anything and if you have a regular partner, you can safely continue your usual sexual relationship without putting that person at risk.

Let me know if anything isn't clear. Best wishes--

HHH, MD

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