7 STDs You Might Get from Hand Jobs: Giving or Receiving

HPV

HPV can be transmitted through hand jobs due to skin-to-skin contact, making it highly contagious; it can penetrate healthy, unbroken skin. [1] Genital Warts and Human Papillomavirus Infection (HPV) https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-genital-hpv-infection.html

How does this happen?

Skin and mucous membranes may be at risk during a hand job, mainly due to long fingernails or rough movements, especially if the person has warts on their hands or genitals. Fortunately, most hand warts are common and come from a different strain of HPV, which means they are unlikely to transmit to the genital area and vice versa.

What is the likelihood of infection from one encounter?

The chance of contracting HPV from a single sexual encounter is roughly 40%. However, the transmission rate can vary significantly, ranging from 5% to 100%. [2] Malagón T, Louvanto K, Wissing M, et al. Hand-to-genital and genital-to-genital transmission of human papillomaviruses between male and female sexual partners (HITCH): a prospective cohort study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30745276/

Herpes

Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) can be transmitted through oral sex via skin-to-skin contact. [3] Text link

How does this happen?

If your partner is infected with herpes, especially when active sores are present, transmission can occur if saliva or vaginal secretions are involved during stimulation. Additionally, if they have come into contact with their infected bodily fluids within the last 30 minutes, the risk of HSV transmission remains unchanged at room temperature.

HSV can also be transmitted if your partner has herpetic blisters on their fingers, known as herpetic whitlow. Although this condition is rare, only about 2.4 cases per 100,000 individuals are reported annually. Fortunately, herpetic lesions are often painful, preventing people from using the affected hand.

Chance of contracting an infection with one encounter.

The estimated risk of contracting herpes from a single sexual encounter with an infected asymptomatic partner ranges from 3% to 10%. This likelihood increases to 20% when symptoms such as blisters, sores, or crusted sores are present.

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum is another STD that spreads through skin-to-skin contact.

How does transmission occur?

If someone giving you a hand job has molluscum, it can spread if a recently damaged bump touches your skin. You can also contract molluscum through contaminated objects.

Risk of contracting an infection with one encounter

The likelihood of acquiring molluscum contagiosum from just one interaction with an infected person is relatively high (over 60%), primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact, as the virus spreads easily. [5] Molluscum contagiosum - NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/molluscum-contagiosum/#:~:text=Molluscum%20contagiosum%20is%20more%20common,white%20dimple%20in%20the%20middle

Syphilis

Syphilis is another STD transmitted through direct contact with an infected sore or rash.

A syphilis sore can be very small, always painless, and may take up to six weeks to heal. Consequently, an infected person often does not realize they have a sore.

The same applies to the syphilis rash; it is faint and can take on various forms and shapes. This is why syphilis is commonly referred to as the "greatest imitator."

Risk of infection per encounter

The likelihood of acquiring syphilis from a single sexual encounter with an infected partner is estimated to range from 3% to 10%. [6] Syphilis transmission: a review of the current evidence https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5973824/

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

It is relatively uncommon to contract chlamydia and gonorrhea from a hand job.

So, how does transmission occur?

Both infections spread when mucous membranes (inside the penis, rectum, and vagina) come into contact with bodily fluids, such as semen or vaginal secretions. However, transmission is still possible if a person uses a significant amount of saliva, vaginal fluids, or semen during a hand job.

HIV

The likelihood of contracting HIV through a hand job is very low, but it is still possible.

How can this happen?

If your partner has a cut on their finger or if they use bodily fluids—such as vaginal secretions or semen—to stimulate your genitals or rectum, the risk increases. For transmission to occur, fluids must be exchanged between the damaged skin on the hand and body fluids other than saliva and sweat. [7] Estimating per-act HIV transmission risk: a systematic review https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6195215/

Safety Tips for Giving or Receiving Hand Jobs

To minimize the risk of contracting an STD during a hand job, consider these precautions:

Symptoms you should watch for.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns, and get tested if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms:

Frequently asked questions

Can you get STDs from touching yourself?

Yes, if your hand comes into contact with bodily fluids such as sperm, saliva, or vaginal secretions from your partner or if your partner has open sores from herpes or syphilis.

What is the easiest STD to catch from a hand job?

The most common STDs that people can acquire from hand jobs are those transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, such as HPV and herpes.

Can you get an STD from unwashed hands?

Yes, if your hands came into contact with your partner’s bodily fluids and you touched your genital right after. Most infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes, do not survive in the open air for a long time (up to 30 minutes on the human skin).