[Question #13515] massage handjob 2025

2 days ago

Hi Drs Hook and Handsfield,

Following my last question, I read a lot on your forum about STD risk.

I have a question for you about an event. 5 weeks ago, I was going for a massage recommended by a physiotherapist. At the end, the masseuse offered me an handjob with oil (she's full clothed). I agreed. telling myself that there was no risk. 2 hours later, my brain went overdrive thinking about STD. I had Doxycycline at home. I take 2x100mg as Doxypep.

Since this event, I examine myself every time I go to the bathroom and I take a shower looking for abnormalities on my genital (I'm causing myself pain and redness on the outside of my foreskin by looking at it and rub it too much),

I call telemedicine to talk with a doctor about this event. He told me that the risk for herpes and syphylis is very low and he refuse to prescribe STD test because the risk is too low (In Canada, I need prescription for STD test) and he sayd that since I took Doxypep, my risk of syphilis is very very low .

1- In your opinion, did I take a risk for herpes and syphilis (I don't think so but I would like your opinion)?

2- According to some other doctors, there is a difference between a regular massage and hand-genital contact for STD risk. What's the difference? The masseuse's hands touched all my body before the handjob.

3- For Doxypep, some website say it is 80% effective against Syphilis while others say it's almost 100%. Following my massage/handjob, what percentage of protection do you think I have?

4- Following this message, what do you recommend I do next?

Thank you for your answer!

Edward W. Hook M.D.

1 days ago

I'm sorry to see that you are back and continue your unwarranted concern regarding the virtually no risk exposure that you described. You are over reacting and need to move forward - that means stop your repeated self examination and doubting the advice you have received- that advice is not going to change.. If you cannot do that yourself, I urge you to seek professional (and thus, by definition, confidential) counseling to help you address your unwarranted concerns. Brief responses to your somewhat repetitive questions:

1- In your opinion, did I take a risk for herpes and syphilis (I don't think so but I would like your opinion)

Your risk is virtually zero and any risk of bacterial STI, including syphilis was eliminated by taking doxycycline that wan not needed.

Zero difference. The WHO, the US CDC and virtually all experts agree that there is no meaningful risk from receipt of masturbation, just as there is no risk from a massage that does not include receipt of masturbation.

3- For Doxypep, some website say it is 80% effective against Syphilis while others say it's almost 100%. Following my massage/handjob, what percentage of protection do you think I have?

The doxypep when taken within 48-72 hours of an exposure is over 90% effective for syphilis prevention.

4- Following this message, what do you recommend I do next?

See my comments above. I agree with the doctor who said you do not need testing. Given your inability to stop worrying, I suggest you seek professional counseling. EWH

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1 days ago

Hi Dr Hook!

Thank you for your answer.

The reason why I ask you the question is because it's not the same event as in june.

By your answer, I understand that this massage/handjob is no risk for STD. Can I restart unprotected sex with my wife without fear of pass STD to her?

In the future, I will refrain any contact with my genitals except with my wife.

I made two mistake (the two incidents I wrote you about) and, given my fear of STD, I think it's best to for me and my mental health to not make more mistake like that. I don't know why I freak out about catching syphilis....

Thank you again Doctor!

Edward W. Hook M.D.

1 days ago

I understood that it was a new exposure. That does not change my assessment.

I would not hesitate to suggest you resume unprotected sex with your wife.

Again I suggest you seek counseling. Clearly you have continuing issues that need to be addressed. EWH

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1 days ago

Hi Dr Hook,

This is my last post on this event. I'm sorry that my question seems to have upset you.

I wrote to you because, when I ask the telemedecine doctor (he's a GP) about the different opinions of different doctors on regular massage and masturbation that I read on Justanswer and Healthtap, as well on Doxypep effectiveness, the doctor told me that he couldn't answer, that he didn't know the answer.

I wanted real answers so I could move on, but given this response, I doubted his depth of knowledge about STD and I know that you and Dr Handsfield are two imminent specialists.

Through your answers, which the other doctor was unable to provide, you have given confidence to move on with my life.

Thank you again for your time and your complete answer Dr Hook!

Edward W. Hook M.D.

1 days ago

Your questions did not upset me, but they did sadden me. Your initial question as part of this interaction indicated that the telemedicine doctor you interacted with indicated there was little risk- I certainly agree. The encounter you describe was virtually no risk. You acknowledge that you have a tendency towards being hypochondriacal - I agree with this as well and suggest that if you plan to continue to have potential exposures you you should address them.

Take care. Closing the thread now. EWH

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