Q. What are the chances of getting STDs after a hand massage?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your anxiety. As you have informed there was no penetration or no oral sex involved and only a hand massage was witnessed. So, the risk for HIV in your case is zero. And I think you do not need to worry about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and no tests are required. However, there is a chance of transmission of herpes or warts in your case if your partner had similar active lesions on the hands, however, this is also a rare possibility. But I suggest you not to get more distressed and keep on thinking about it, instead get yourself tested with HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen), anti-HCV (hepatitis C virus), and VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory) test four weeks after the experience.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There is no definite data regarding or exact percentage risk for transmission of these diseases post-contact. However, it initially requires the partner to get similar lesions over the sites of contact. And on talking about herpes, It is generally very infectious, and within 3 to 5 days post-exposure, most patients do develop blisters due to its transmission. As in your case, a week has already passed and you have no lesions so the chances of herpes are also nil. But for warts, the incubation period is variable. I will advise you to always use a condom for any such future exposures.

Thank you.

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula

Experience: 11 + Yrs

Dermatology

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