STD Risks from Marginal Sexual Behaviors

Borderline sexual behavior and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Hello, doctor.
I apologize for intruding on your busy schedule, but I have a question that has been worrying me for the past few days.
I would greatly appreciate your help in answering it.
On February 19, I went to a club where I engaged in mutual masturbation with a sex worker without using protection (there was no penetration, but there was contact with secretions).
I believe I did not have any cuts on my hands, and I also shared a few shallow kisses (I briefly sucked on her tongue).
The sex worker also masturbated me, and her hand likely came into contact with her own vaginal secretions.
Within half a minute, she used that same hand to touch my glans.
I immediately stopped her, but she still held it a few times.
Am I at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as syphilis? At that time, my lips were likely slightly cracked, and I did not see any visible cuts on my hands.
As of February 27, I developed two round blisters on my lips that were somewhat painful, but by March 7, my mouth was almost healed.
I am very anxious about this.
Could you please assess the likelihood of contracting syphilis or other STIs? Thank you.

Song Jinyu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/10

Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology

If you are concerned, please seek medical evaluation and screening.

Reply Date: 2022/03/10

More Info

When it comes to understanding the risks of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) from marginal sexual behaviors, it is essential to consider several factors, including the type of sexual activity, the presence of any cuts or sores, and the sexual health status of both partners involved.

In your situation, you engaged in activities that included manual stimulation (hand jobs) and kissing, which can carry varying levels of risk for STD transmission. The primary concern in your case seems to be the contact between your partner's bodily fluids and your own skin, particularly around your genital area, as well as the potential for transmission through kissing, especially if your lips were cracked.

1. Manual Stimulation and Bodily Fluids: The risk of contracting STDs through manual stimulation is generally lower than through penetrative sex, especially if there are no open wounds or sores on your hands. However, if your partner's hands had come into contact with vaginal secretions and then touched your genitals, there is a potential risk for transmission of infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or even syphilis, depending on her health status.
2. Kissing: Kissing can transmit certain infections, particularly if there are open sores or cuts in the mouth. If your lips were cracked, this could increase the risk of transmission of infections like herpes or syphilis, especially if your partner has an active infection.

3. Symptoms: The appearance of round blisters on your lips could be concerning. While they may not necessarily indicate an STD, they warrant further investigation. Blisters can be a sign of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, especially if they are painful and appear in clusters. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and potential testing.

4. Risk Assessment: The likelihood of contracting an STD from the activities you described is not negligible, particularly if your partner has an undiagnosed infection. The risk is higher if there was direct contact with infected bodily fluids. However, without penetration or direct exchange of fluids, the risk remains relatively lower compared to high-risk behaviors such as unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse.

5. Testing and Prevention: Given your concerns and the symptoms you are experiencing, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Testing for STDs, including syphilis, herpes, and other common infections, can provide peace of mind and ensure appropriate treatment if necessary. Regular screening is essential for sexually active individuals, especially when engaging in activities with new partners.

In summary, while the risk of contracting an STD from the behaviors you described is present, it is not definitively high, especially if there were no open wounds. However, the symptoms you are experiencing should not be ignored, and consulting a healthcare professional for testing and advice is the best course of action. Remember, practicing safer sex, including the use of condoms and regular health check-ups, can significantly reduce the risk of STDs in the future.

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