[Question #1794] STD Risks

90 months ago

Hello and thanks in advance for giving me some advice. My question specifically is how often and what should I be tested for? I am a gay male who enjoys sex with other male and specifically CSW. I have a guy I see on a regular basis. and obviously it is not monogamous relationship. Because I enjoy this I strictly keep my activity to French Kissing, erotic massage,Naked Frottage and mutual handjobs. We never have oral or anal sex. What are my STD Risks and what should I test for? I currently test yearly for all STDs. Thanks and Cheers!!

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

90 months ago

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question.

As you intended, these exposures were entirely safe. If you are confident there was no penile penetration, either by you or your partner into the other's anus or mouth, there was no risk. Although some STDs (HPV, herpes, syphilis) can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, even this is no risk when there is no direct genital-genital, anal-genital, oral-genital contact.

Should you be tested for anything? From a strictly medical or risk perspective, there is no reason to do so. On the other hand, the fact that you are nervous enough to come to this forum for reassurance suggests that you might benefit psychologically from negative testing, at least for HIV and perhaps syphilis. In other words, perhaps yes for reassurance. If you do it, you can expect negative results.

I hope this has been helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear. Best wishes and stay safe--

HHH, MD

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90 months ago

Thank you Dr. Handsfield.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

90 months ago

You're welcome. I'm glad to have helped.

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