Thank you Dr Handsfield that is so helpful. So can I take it that your advice and Dr Hook's is also for any other STDs, like HPV or herpes or syphillis?

Sorry couldn't ask a follow-up on my phone so have asked a new question, but this is follow-up (to question #2651)

When I went online to look at the article, it also referenced a study from last year which said there was significant correlation between grooming/shaving and STIs. 

However this also mentioned that "it seems highly unlikely that shared grooming tools would explain our positive findings," rather conclusion was just that grooming made STIs more likely during intercourse.

This was the linked study:

http://sti.bmj.com/content/93/3/162

So I can assume there is the same or lower risks for any other STIs compared to HIV or Hep (so like HPV,  molluscum, syphillis, herpes etc?)

Kind thanks again Dr

You did not need to start a new thread in follow-up of your earlier question to us.  Since you did however, I will be replying this time (we have also close your earlier interaction with Dr. Handsfield, just to keep things straight).  I have read Dr. Handsfield's earlier reply and agree with all that he said.  I also glanced at the paper that looked at and have several reactions.  First, I worry that this may indicate that you are going to the internet for medical advice and, if so, this is really not a good idea.  The paper you point to is a good illustration of this- the differences the authors (and you) point to are small and in any individual person have at most, modest relevance.  The analysis the authors point to do not take into account using sophisticated statistical methods the simultaneous influence of several variables which could contribute to some of the differences mentioned.  For instance, "groomers" as they are referred into the paper tended to be younger and have more sex partners than "non-groomers", both of which may have contributed to the differences noted in the paper. 

A final comment.  Shaving does have an effect on some STIs, most notably HPV and molluscum in that shaving can spread these infections once established and thus is not recommended.  At the same time however, shaving should not influence your specific risk of getting STIs. 

I hope this helps to clear things up but, if there are further questions, please feel free to ask in follow-up to this reply.  We permit up to two follow-ups.  EWH

So if I understand this correct, while sharing razors is obviously never recommended, the transmission risk of STDs (including HPV, herpes and molluscum) via shared razors is as low as HIV or Hep risk? And same risk for syphillis and herpes as well? 

And when you say HPV and Molluscum can be spread if there is an infection, does this just mean that someone shaving would aggregate their own infection, rather than being a risk to others if using a shared razor?

Many kind thanks again Dr.

Many kind thanks Dr

Correct, sharing razors is not a good idea for all of the reasons Dr. Handsfield mentioned.  The transmission risk however is only theoretical - this goes for HIV and hepatitis (please, we don't need to mention every STI, infection by infection). 

On the other hand, if you already have on of these infections, shaving over lesions creates the possibility of spreading the infection that the person already has to a larger area of infection. 

Hope this clears things up.  EWH

When I say other inanimate items, this would be non-sexual items found in a normal household, like towels (i.e. not drug needles etc)

Thankyou again Dr 

As you know, there are up to three replies permitted for each question.  This is your third reply.  Therefore, this thread will be closed later today. 

Another correct statement.  STIs, including herpes are not spread from person to person through contact with non-sexual, normal household items such as towels.

EWH