[Question #1304] STI risk from massage

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96 months ago

Hello Doctor

I have visited massage parlours about 5-7 times in the last 2 years upto March,2016  and did receive handjobs. On few of these occasions, I did touch the massuer’s breasts with bare hands but there was no other form of sexual/physical contact. I had undergone a STD test (HIV-1 &2 & P24,VDRL,TPHA ,HSV 1&2 & Chalmydia), tested negative for all of them in June,2016. I had again gone for a massage in Aug,2016 but this time it was a regular massage, there was no sexual contact or handjob. I however saw some small red spots one morning, after 30 days from the Aug Massage, when I woke up under the foreskin of my penis. I ignored the spots for a few days but then since they were not improving and it seemed to give off an unpleasant smell on 1-2 occasion, I decided to get tested for STDs again. This second STD test happened after about 38 days from the Massage in August. All tests came out to be negative (Except for Chalmydia Trachomatis which came Equivocal). I am taking anti fungal treatment now and red spots have reduced but not completely gone. I do not have any other symptoms, burning or itching in penis. My question is

1)      Basis Above only, am I at risk for any STIs. Is it possible to get a false negative on the HSV 1 & 2 (IgG & IgM) test despite having symptoms in case one really has Herpes, given that testing happened only after 38 days from potential exposure.     Thanks

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Edward W. Hook M.D.
96 months ago

Welcome to the Forum.  If you had asked me about whether you need STI testing or not, I would have said no, informing you that STIs are not transmitted by the sorts of touching you have received, including receipt of masturbation.  I have never seen or heard of an STI, INCLUDING HERPES, which was acquired through receipt of masturbation- you are not going to be the first.  Thus I am not at all surprised to hear that your test results.

The red spots you describe, under your foreskin could have many other causes.  One common cause of rashes under the foreskin of uncircumcised men is yeast (Candida) infections which result from the yeast that is normally on a person's skin growing, perhaps promoted because of moisture when is present under the foreskin.

False negative tests for herpes blood tests do occur from time to time, particularly the blood test for HSV-1.  That said, I URGE you not to do blood test for herpes.  In this situation they are unreliable an, despite your result, still more likely to give a falsely positive result than a true positive. Nothing you have describes would put you at risk for herpes nor does your problem sound like herpes.   EWH 

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96 months ago
Thank you for the quick reply Doctor.  I think I do have some sensation of slight itching on the penis. Would this change the diagnosis ?
Also I just cant help imagine a situation where there is some small cut on the massuer's hand (a very common thing with many people) which comes in contact with my skin which is also exposed (example: having some open rash/pimple on my back area which is also a pretty common thing) and then the infection getting passed on. As advised I would not get tested again, would just request clarification on the above two queries only. 
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
96 months ago
No change in my assessment or recommendations.  Typically itching is a sign of excessive focus on the genitals, looking for symptoms and not a manifestation of infection.  A cut on the massuese's hand, if it were present, and/or a pimple or lesion on your back is irrelevant and does not change my assessment or advice.  Still no risk and no need for further testing.  Take care.  EWH
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96 months ago
Thanks a lot for the clarifications Doctor. We may close this query/message now. Regards