[Question #8615] Massage Table - HIV risk

41 months ago

Dear Doctors,

Thank you for the work you are doing. While i am fully aware of the fundamentals of hiv prevention, i am asking this question for a specific scenario.

I have recently visited a massage parlour. I usually wear disposable shorts during massages but they did not have any at that time.

So i fully removed my clothes and had the massage performed on my back.

Given that the masseuse offered a handjob at the end of the massage, it makes sense to assume that she does so with all clients.

My question is whether there is a risk of HIV transmission given that my penis touched the massage table throughout the massage and this table is infected with contaminated fluids from previous customers.

I would like to know your risk assessment on such a case in order to know how to proceed in such situations (future massage visit)

Does zero risk for skin contact with infected fluids out in the environment also apply for penile skin contact with inanimate objects? Please provide me with the rationale as well

NB. I definitely checked quickly before the massage that the sheets are clean. However I am assuming here that sheets are not cleaned/replaced between customers so please assume this in your assessment.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

41 months ago

These questions are identical to those you asked in the thread just closed. If you were hoping for my opinion in addition to Dr. Hook's, it was pointless: although our communication styles are somewhat different, our understanding of the issues and professional opinions and advice are always identical. I suggest you re-read that discussion. There was absolutely no risk of HIV from the events you have described.

HHH, MD

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41 months ago

Dear Dr. Handsfield

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate it.

The no-risk events also include the one in this thread (which is a bit different than the ones in my previous thread) ???

Just making sure that you are not in this reply referencing the situations of my previous thread only.

Thanks alot

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

41 months ago

That your penis "touched the massage table" is irrelevant; no STD risk.

You may have a common misunderstanding about STDs in general. They are not simply infections that happen to involve the genitals. The bacteria and viruses that cause them evolved to be incapable of transmission unless substantial numbers of them are introduced inside the body. Unless your penis enters another person's vagina, rectum or mouth, you will never catch any STD. There is no need to ask about any other kinds of contact. It is in that spirit that I consider your current question to not include any new information compared to your previous one.

Really, move on without worry. Have all the massages you want without worry about STDs, assuming no oral, vaginal or anal sex. OK?

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