[Question #8265] Hiv risk from hand job

46 months ago

Hello Dr, I want to ask about the risk of receiving hand job after a full body massage, the masseuse was full dressed, no oral or any type of intercourses happened, she just used her hands with the massage oil.
I did Ag/Ab test 5 weeks post the massage and it was negative , do I need to do any further test? can I safely back to my partner?
Thank you

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

46 months ago

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your succinct, straightforward question. I happened to log in soon after you posted it: most forum users do not receive nearly real-time replies!

Neither HIV nor any other STI can be transmitted by hand-genital contact, or by massage. You really didn't need HIV testing. That said, on rare occasions it takes up to 6 weeks for the AgAb tests to become positive, so you were tested a week early. If you want a 100% conclusive result, you'll need to retest. However, since the event was zero risk anyway, I see no need. But it's up to you. In the meantime, you definitely can safely continue sex with your regular partner -- there was never a reason to stop.

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

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46 months ago

Thank you Dr, based on your your advice this is a zero risk and test wasn't needed, but because of the anxiety I needed reassurance from your side, if you said I can safely continue sex with my girlfriend, then I don't think the test is needed at 6 weeks!

Generally speaking isn't good indication for you at 5 weeks?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

46 months ago

Yes indeed -- almost all (probably 99%) of newly infected persons have positive AgAb tests by 5 weeks. There is no realistic chance you have HIV and really no need for another test, unless you need the addition reassurance. If somehow I were in your situation, I would not have been tested at all and certainly would not do it again.---

46 months ago

Thank you Dr for your response, I am going to follow your advise and I don't think I'll do another test as you said.
All the best.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

46 months ago

Thanks for the thanks. I'm glad to have helped -- that's why we're here.---