[Question #7884] HIV via sperm on hands

51 months ago

Dear Dr.,

I am aware that I reached my question limit and promise not to ask any more questions within the next 6 months. I have been to a massage last Friday. I received 2 handjobs. There were 2 women present. After the first handjob the first woman left and I was massaged by another. I heard that she massaged another customer in the next room. She finished the massage there, came back to me and instantly gave me the next handjob. So she must have given me a handjob right after giving one to the other customer. I am certain he got one because I heard the talk when he had to pay and it was the fee including a handjob. I texted the woman afterwards if she washes hands between clients and she replied with a "yes" but I am not so sure. So actually I am worrying that she might have had sperm of the other client when she massaged me. Am convinced this doesn't pose a threat for Gon, Chlam, Syph, HCV or HBV (am vaccinated) but maybe it does for HIV!? Another point is that oil was used for the massage, so if sperm was present, it was definitely mixed with oil (dilution?). I calculated the probability the other guy was infected with 1:1,000. The probability of being infected by a positive individual via that route must be lower than receiving oral sex (which I know is 1:10,000), so I calculated that with 1:100,000. That makes my probability for an HIV-infection 1:100,000,000 (more than Germany's population!).

1.) What do you think about my calculation? The actual risk might even be lower, right?

2.) What do you think about testing?

(I was tested negative before after my last exposures.)

I had my 2nd vaccination against Corona today (Biontech). A bit more out of interest and perhaps it is of some use to others:

3.) Could the vaccination lead to false positive HIV-tests, 4th generation or PCR?

I know my underlying problem is emotional/psychological and I will definitive resume counseling. I hope you answer one last time.

Karl

Edward W. Hook M.D.

51 months ago

Welcome back to the Forum. As Dr. Handfield said last week during your interaction, I suspect that you are again asking questions that you already know the answer to and are looking for confirmation regarding the virtual absence of risk of HIV or any other STI related to receipt of masturbation, even in the unlikely circumstance that your masseuse had another person's ejaculate on her hands when she returned to the room to masturbate you. I'll go straight to your questions:

1. I think your calculation is conservative and would estimate your risk as even lower than you do. To date there are NO proven cases of HIV which have been acquired as result of masturbation and transfer of one person's genital secretions to another during the event. It is for that reason the even very conservative organizations such as the CDC classify mutual masturbation as a no risk event.

2. There is no medical or scientific reason for you to test related to the events you describe.

3. Congratulations on your receipt of the COVID-19 vaccine. To date there are no data to suggest that such tests will lead to falsely positive HIV test results.

I am glad to hear that you plan to resume counseling. I encourage you to do so. Take Care. EWH

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51 months ago

Dear Dr. Hook,

thank you for this very quick response. A final thought and question and I will definitely leave it like that and let my worries go. It is really also a bit out of interest.

Which part of my calculation would you consider to be too high?

a) The probability the other guy was infected as 1:1,000 or

b) the probability of being infected by a positive individual via the mentioned route as 1:100,000.

or even both?

Profound figures always help me. So if my mind will accept that there may be a chance say 1 in a billion, that will truly equal zero for me for all practical purposes.

And a last comment: I guess massage oil must also "destroy" the virus. The mix of sperm and oil is of a strange consistence that I cannot believe is capable of infecting anyone anyhow. Right? This again might be interesting for other readers.

You've got my promise, that's it for me for the next months!

Keep up your great work, you do make a difference.

Sincerely

Karl

Edward W. Hook M.D.

51 months ago

I would estimate the likelihood of becoming infected though the transfer of material on the masseuse's hands as being too high. As I mentioned above- there are NO instances when such transmission has been proven.

Once again, while there are no scientific data on the subject, I would expect massage oil/lubricants to be toxic to microorganisms, including HIV.

Thanks for your thanks. Take care. EWH

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