I know I asked a similar question before but this one is related to Trich.

I have read a lot recently that Trich could spread from sexual touching including mutual masturbation. I’m scared that in the past I could have spread this from one girl to myself and then to another girl without realising.

You said before that STIs are not spread this way but is this also the same for Trich. There are government agencies saying that it can be spread this way.

Thanks again 

There are absolutely no data to support transmission of trichomonas by hand-genital contact, fingering, etc. That doesn't prove it can't happen, but it must be exceedlnglly rare. I'd be interested to know specifically what government agencies' websites or other information state that such transmission is likely.

For most of medical history, the origin of trichomonal vaginal infections was mysterious, because the concept of male partners having no symptoms was unknown. Sexual transmission seemed unlikely because so many infections were diagnosed in women who were apparently not at risk, e.g. many years after their last sexual contact. But it was also unknown that trich can be carried for years or even decades and then be diagnosed. Given these uncertainties, when trich was diagnosed in a woman not at apparent risk, it was natural for doctors and others to speculate about non-sexual or semi-sexual events. That's why were frequent beliefs about shared towels, shared intimate clothing -- especially bathing suits -- and, probably, hand-genital contact. But that's all it was -- speculation. Now with knowledge about asymptomatic carriage and transmission, no experts seriously believe there is significant risk without intercourse.

So your worries are unfounded. But I sense another, more serious problem here. This is your fourth question on the forum about STD risk from hand-genital contact, exposure to used underwear, or shaking hands (your most recent question, answered by Terri). Clearlly you are obsessed with this. It's a form of germophobia, which sometimes can lead to serious mental health disability. (For an excellent example, see The Aviator, the biopic about the industrialist and Hollywood mogul Howard Hughes--and an excellent film, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Cate Blanchett). If the concerns you have expressed on this forum are in your mind continuously and/or affecting your overall life situation and happiness, consider professional counseling. I suggest it from compassion, not criticism. (I would also suggest you stop searching the web about such issues. Anybody can find support for almost any concept on the internet, no matter how outlandish or scientifically invalid.)

Please note the forum policy about repeat questions on the same topic, which after a few times are deleted without reply and without refund of the posting fee. This being your fourth, it should be your last. Thanks for your understanding. But I do hope the discussions have been helpful to you. Best wishes and stay safe.

HHH, MD

Thanks for this.

I have recently been seeing a therapist again to help with these issues.

This is one of many places including an Australian website saying it can be passed by fluid on hands.

It worries me a lot that this is a risk but if you say it is extremely small then that gives me some relief

Thanks again.

I’m just struggling a bit recently with this so thought I’d ask. Your help is much appreciated.

That completes the two follow-up comments and replies included with each question and so ends this thread. Please see my comments above about repeat questions. Any more from you along these lines will be deleted without reply. I wish you well.