[Question #13714] STI Risk Assessment (Frottage)

1 months ago

I am seeking guidance on my risk for HIV and other STIs and whether repeat testing is indicated. HIV and hepatitis testing in July 2025 was negative. From August–September I had condom-protected vaginal and heterosexual anal intercourse with new partners. In October, I had condom-protected vaginal intercourse and unprotected heterosexual anal intercourse with a partner who tested HIV-negative prior to sex and reported no recent partners. I also had genital-to-genital contact (frottage) with possible minimal penetration. What is my estimated risk for HIV and other STIs, is repeat testing recommended (tests and timing), and how efficient is HIV transmission in these exposure scenarios?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

1 months ago

Welcome to our Forum. Thanks for your questions. Congratulations on your use of condoms for the majority of the encounters you describe. They effectively reduce the risk of all STIs, including HIV when worn throughout sexual encounters. When you combine this fact with the facts that most people do not have STIs including HIV and that most encounters with infected partners do not lead to transmission of infection your risk for STIs is low. I gather as well that you are asymptomatic.

As a generalization, we recommend periodic screening for STIs and HIV as good sexual health practice for persons with multiple partners on an annual or every six month basis, largely for the reassurance testing provides. I do not feel that there is urgency for you to be tested but might consider testing for Gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and HIV at some point in the future. Testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia at this time will be conclusive for all recent encounters and testing for syphilis and HIV is conclusive for all encounters which have occurred more than six weeks ago or before.

Given the information you have provided, I anticipate that if you test, the results will show that you have not been infected. EWH

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1 months ago

Thanks Dr. Hook. Do you consider aluminum block at barber shops used to stop bleeding from nicks and cuts a risk factor for STDs as well since the bar itself is reused for all clients. If so, what tests should be done?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

1 months ago

We get many questions regarding possible exposures in barber shops, particularly focused on reuse of tools which may not b well cleaned of even cleaned at all. There is no indication to suggest that any STIs are transmitted in this way however. It is not a concern and not a scientific reason for testing- even if you are nicked or have open cuts or lesions which are contacted while in the barber shop. EWH---

1 months ago

I read that the aluminum (alum) block used in barber shops can harbor the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may pose a risk of transmission from one customer to another. Is this information accurate?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

1 months ago

Final answer. As I said above, there is no scientific information that hepatitis C, B or other blood-borne viral infections could be transmitted in this way. You have been misinformed, which is common when people go to the Internet for information.

My assessment and recommendation is unchanged. EWH.

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