[Question #9879] Massage

28 months ago

I had a body to body massage.

She wearing panties; me nude.

Significant rubbing between my penis and her vagina (covered).

I now have a sore on my penis.

Was the "sex" safe?

Thanks

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

28 months ago

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question and your confidence in our services.

I have mixed responses to these questions. First, such an exposure is zero or near-zero risk for any and all STDs, including HIV. That your massage partner's genital area was covered by her panties probably makes it truly zero risk.

However, more information is needed in order to judge your penile sore. How long ago was the massage and how quickly did the sore appear? Was that area vigorously rubbed? Does it look like an abrasion, or did it first start as a blister, pimple, open sore, etc? Do you have any swelling or discomfort in the groin? Have you had any other sexual exposures in the last couple of months? Are you in a regular sexual relationship?

If it's an abrasion that appeared immediately, i.e. the direct result of penile rubbing against the fabric of her panties, there are no STD worries. But perhaps I'll have more to say after you let me know the details.

HHH, MD

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28 months ago

Thank you Dr. Hansfield

This is not an abrasion.

It was noticed by me today, nine days after the event. It is a closed pimple or instance of folliculitis- 2 mm in diameter. No other symptoms. No discharge, no swelling, etc.

My only sexual partner is my wife, and we are both std-free.

I probably would not mention it, but the timing seems queer.

I see my pcp in three days. I am inclined not even to mention this, unless you think I should.

Thanks.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

28 months ago

If you've had folliculitis previously and this looks similar, that's a good bet. However, folliculitis or pimples can mimic herpes, which also tends to recur. If it's herpes, usually it would soon evolve into a blister then pimple then ulcer or scab. However, atypical cases that don't follow this pattern are very common. If this is herpes, it's not from your recent semi-sexual encounter, much more likely a longstanding infection. I recommend you show it to your PCP and discuss the situation in detail. If it should become blister- or pimple-like in the next day or so, contact your doctor's office to see if you can arrange for a quicker visit to test it for HSV; that testing is more likely to detect virus in the first couple of days after onset, so waiting another three days might be too long. A blood test for HSV1 and HSV2 antibody also might be a good idea (IgG antibody test only, do not have IgM testing).---

28 months ago

Thank you Dr. Handsfield (sorry I got your name wrong).

Although I am a hypocondriac, I am morally certain that I have had no other risky encounters since marrying in 1981.

I am certain about my wife too.

I guess I am looking for guidance on whether the dalliance from nine days ago is no-risk or low-risk.

I will monitor my lesion and follow up with my pcp if needed but I don't do so lightly because she is also my wife's pcp and she is a rather conservative muslim.

Thanks.

I know this is my final follow up.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

28 months ago

No worries about my name: many people drop the d!

Just to close out on herpes, your sexual history does argue against it. But not conclusively. Herpes is just as common in people with very conservative as in very active sex lives; either you or your wife could have had it all these years. Of course up to you whether to pursue the possibility. In any case, I rate your "dalliance" as essentially zero risk in regard to STDs.

Finally, I wonder if you're selling your PCP a bit short. If you're in North America or Western Europe, it is likely she has seen it all -- regardless of her ancestry and ethnicity. But of course you're in a better position to judge her than I am.

As you expected, that concludes this thread. I hope the discussion has been helpful. Best wishes.

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