[Question #8957] Fingering with minor cut and vaginal secretions

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37 months ago
Hi Doctors,

Once again, very sorry to be back. I understand I have asked a lot of questions before but I don't feel like we ever addressed hand-to-genital contact and would appreciate the insight.

Long story short, I have messed up again and despite my determination to abstain, I was engaged in a massage therapy session with a up-scale CSW (appointment only + very high fee). The only genital contacts I had was me kissing her body (I understand to be risk free), and using my fingers to to stimulate her clitoris area. Granted my fingers never entered her vagina, and I was under the feeling that this is safe sex, but I noticed a small cut on my index finger (<1 cm long), the kind you get from peeled skin around the nail area. I do recall having some vaginal fluid over my cut, but all of the exposure was in open air, as I didn't have any insertion.

No other penetrative or oral sexual events took place. Upon inquiring from the lady, she laughed and said she is very healthy and well and is particular about the people she sees with no penetrative actions ever taking place. 

The big question is, is there any risk associated with getting HIV from vaginal secretions over this minor cut? Should I pursue PEP again? It has been about 24 hours since the incident and I'm very confused and ashamed. I had a call with the San Francisco Clinic and they didn't recommend PEP nor testing. Is this the right approach?
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
37 months ago
My closing comment in your previous thread:  "It is time for you to stop checking with us about each and every new sexual exposure you have. In your several discussions we have given all the information you need to judge the safety and risks. You have also been advised about the forum policy that we do not accept repeated anxiety-driven questions on the same topic. Any more questions along these lines will be deleted without reply, and without refund of the testing fee. I do hope this and the previous discussions have been helpful, but we are not a psychological support resource. Best wishes and thank you for your understanding."

This was a no risk event and your own comments indicate you know it. I don't recall whether you have previously asked about hand-genital contact, but by now you know that we consider a sexual exposure to risk HIV only if there is penile penetration. I agree with the San Francisco public health clinic:  you should not take PEP and should not be tested for anything.

Sorry, but there will be no opportunity for discussion. Any further questions like this WILL be deleted without even this much reply.

HHH, MD
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