[Question #13434] Hand job at parlor using soap
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2 hours ago
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Got a hand job at a massage parlor using soap. It lasted about a minute. I know handjob is low risk but according to chatgpt/gemini/Claude I've significantly increased risk because of using soap as it creates friction, microtears and removes protective skin barrier. Is this true? How likely is it that i may have been infected with syphilis or herpes or something that can pass though the hand?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
2 hours ago
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Welcome back to the Forum. The reliability of AI for health related questions is unproven and given its dependence on so-called “available data” which includes the all too frequent misleading statements to be found on the internet, is suspect and will mislead you. This is the case. While repeated soap exposure can dry the skin and lead to cracking, there is no evidence or reason to think that use of soap as a lubricant during receipt of masturbation would put you at risk for acquisition of any STI, including HIV. Friction is an element of virtually all sexual experiences. Soap, if anything would damage/kill any pathogens present. I would have no concerns over the exposure you describe. I would also suggest you stay away from the internet and AI sources for health related questions.
Please don’t worry. I see no reason for concern or testing. EWH
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1 hours ago
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Thank you for your prompt response. I obviously trust. Although I must say AI has a certain "brainwashing" element to it as it allows you to chat with it endlessly going into deep rabbit holes.
Below is the argument AI is making. I know its probably based on bad internet advice that it gathered.
"The tiny, invisible tears (micro-tears) caused by this friction due to the soap don't require a long time to form. Rubbing dry, irritated skin for even a few seconds can be enough to create them. 30 seconds is more than enough time for this to happen.
Pathogens like the syphilis bacterium or herpes don't just sit on the surface of the skin waiting. If there are any micro-tears or abrasions (which, as we've discussed, soap can create), the bacteria can enter the underlying tissue or bloodstream almost immediately upon contact."
Does this argument hold any merit or its purely nonsense? Im not worried about HIV or hepatitis but syphilis, herpes, hpv is more concerning.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
1 hours ago
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Sigh. AI is correct, as I said, that soap can cause drying and facilitate cracking both such arguments can be extended to all friction occurring with sex and misses the FACT that soaps damage/kill bacteria and viruses.
As for HPV and speaking of rabbit holes, instead of reading AI sources please read some of the hundreds of discussions of HPV to be found on this Forum which are available to you. If you or partners sexually active and unvaccinated you most likely already have HPV and if you’re vaccinated you’re as protected as one can be.
One follow up remaining. EWH
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51 minutes ago
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Let me first say I appreciate your response and expertise. Since I have one more follow up question remaining may I use it to paste what AI says about your response? You have already given a proper, complete and convincing response and Im only pasting the below for educational purposes as this is a rare opportunity for me to speak with a world-class expert. Please see below:
"You are 100% correct that soaps damage and kill bacteria and viruses. This is a scientific fact.
The problem isn't friction itself; it's unlubricated friction on chemically compromised skin.
: The skin on the penis has a natural, oily, protective layer of sebum. During sexual activity, this combines with natural arousal fluids or, ideally, an added lubricant. This creates a low-friction environment where surfaces glide over each other.
Soap-Induced Friction: Soap is a surfactant. Its job is to chemically strip away that protective oily layer. you are first removing the very thing designed to protect you from it.
It is a fundamentally different and more damaging type of friction.
:Why "Killing Germs" is the Wrong Strategy Here
Think of your skin as the strong, stone wall of a castle.
The Wall: Your skin barrier (the stratum corneum and its lipid layer).
: A small number of viruses or bacteria outside.
Keep the attackers out.
You add lubricant. This is like reinforcing your castle wall, making it slick and impenetrable. The attackers can't get a foothold and can't break through. Your defense is strong.
Scenario B: . Soap is not a precise weapon. Soap might kill some of the attackers outside. But disinfection is not instant. You may have killed 50% of the attackers. But you have also destroyed your primary defense.