[Question #3905] Syphillis from gay mutual masturbation/body rubbing/massage, etc
 |
85 months ago
|
I promise this is not repetitive, and I further promise that I've spent all day reading your forums. I just can't seem to find definitive answers regarding this. In some, it says it's no risk, but in others, it says that any skin to skin contact is a possible cause of syph. I've accepted that mut. mast. is safe for HIV, but now I'm worried that I've contracted syph from activities described in other posts. I notice, though, in my last posts that I did not include the fact that in each encounter, I've given vigorous back, body and butt rubs to the other man. I've also always rubbed my penis around/over each man's butt. Never anything close to penetration. I've never included these details because I honestly thought the actions were safe, but now I'm very worried that I've been wrong. Developed urinary symptoms not long after last encounter (approx. 9 weeks ago). Freq. urination, feeling there's something "left" after urinating, but no visible discharge, even though it feels as if something comes out. Went to my gp, who knows of my activities. He did urine culture, which was clear, but he said that wouldn't check for syph, which he said is not anything to worry about. However, I didn't mention the rubbing, etc., to him because, again, I didn't think it was anything to worry about. I'm worried about myself, naturally, but my biggest concern is whether I should have sex with my wife. We don't do it that often, and we haven't done it since last exposure, but what should I do? I don't mind testing but syph testing sounds confusing, at least to me. Again, just worried because I honestly thought these were safe activities. Thanks, as always
 |
Edward W. Hook M.D.
85 months ago
|
I'm sorry to see you back on the Forum with what it, indeed, a repetitive albeit slightly nuanced version of your earlier question. You have been informed that STIs are not transmitted through mutual masturbation. This remains the case. Syphilis is a relatively rare STI and is transmitted through direct lesion contact with open sores or lesions.. If you partners have skin or ano-genital lesions due to syphilis, the contract occurring through mutual masturbation could, theoretically, result in transmission of infection to the site of contact. While theoretically possible, the likelihood of this happening is tiny and not a meaningful concern. You are clearly anxious about your activities and thus if it makes you feel better about them, you can have a syphilis blood test. The probability that you are infected however is tiny - a small fraction of 1%. Mutual masturbation remains safe sex.
I trust this addresses your question and that no follow-ups will be needed. I considered not answering at all given its repetitive nature and my previous warning. EWH
|
85 months ago
|
Thank you for your response. Please don’t close me out because I’m asking more...I honestly don’t believe this is repetitive, even though you do. I understand mut mast is safe, but I’m asking about rubbing, penis rubbing against skin and butt areas, etc. that’s where my confusion lies and I’m begging you to see this as a new concern before you close this. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you, and I’m sorry if you see this differently from me. Of course I’m concerned and anxious, but it’s just that I can’t find the answer regarding the ribbon issue. Please tell me if it’s safe to have sex with my wife, if you would recommend testing from medical standpoint at all and if I can dismiss syph as a possibility. Again, I honestly don’t see this as repetitive...I understand forum rules and all, but in this case, it’s genuinely a new concern. Of course, it’s up to you whether you see it that way, but please know I wouldn’t ask if I hadn’t tried my best to find the answer regarding the rubbing, etc.
Forgive me for what you see as necessitating the “warning” and please help.
|
Edward W. Hook M.D.
85 months ago
|
Your follow-up is repetitive. Your doctor told you your exposures were no risk. I told you they were no risk. Yet you ask again. if it is no risk, then, I would think quite obviously, you would understand that the exposures you describe should not make it unsafe to have sex with your wife. You need to address your anxiety, not to hear the same information again and again.
There will be no further replies and this thread will be closed shortly. If you post further repetitive, anxiety driven questions, the thread will be closed without return of your posting fee. EWH
--- |
85 months ago
|
Thanks again although harsh reply wasn’t necessary. My follow up was not repetitive at all...it was related strictly to syphillis which I had not addressed before. I don’t think I deserved the harshness, and if I don’t mind paying and can’t find answers, it shouldn’t be an issue. I won’t bother you regarding this again...I’m guessing you’re saying no testing of any kind necessary for this at all. Thanks again. You’re still one of my heroes even though I’ve bothered you, apparently, too much!