STD Risks: Key Questions for Safe Sexual Practices

Q: STD Risks: Key Questions for Safe Sexual Practices

Hello： <br>1. <br>If both parties have no skin wounds and there is mutual contact between the groin areas, is there a chance that I could contract warts, herpes, or syphilis? --> There is still a possibility, but it is much lower than if there were wounds.<br>2. <br>Following up

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) issues?

Doctor, I would like to ask some questions (I am male and have no sexual experience).
I previously had contact with a sex worker and used a condom throughout (assuming the woman has HPV, genital herpes, or syphilis).
I have five questions!
1.
If neither party has skin lesions, can I contract HPV, herpes, or syphilis from genital contact or touching the groin area?
2.
Following the previous question, if the woman has skin lesions in her groin area and I do not, can I still contract HPV, herpes, or syphilis?
3.
If my genitals rub against the woman's breasts (intercourse), and neither party has skin lesions, can I contract HPV, herpes, or syphilis?
4.
Following the previous question, if the woman has skin lesions on her breasts and I do not, can I still contract HPV, herpes, or syphilis?
5.
Lastly, if one party has HPV, genital herpes, or syphilis, will the other party contract the disease just from skin contact (for example, hands or feet)?

Cai Ge, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/07

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello:
1.
If both parties have no skin wounds and there is mutual contact between the groin areas, is there a chance that I could contract warts, herpes, or syphilis? --> There is still a possibility, but it is much lower than if there were wounds.
2.
Following up on the previous question, if the female has a skin wound in the groin area and I do not, is it possible for me to contract warts, herpes, or syphilis? --> If the female has a sexually transmitted infection (STI), there is a possibility that you could contract it.
3.
If my genitalia rub against the female's breasts (oral sex), and both parties have no skin wounds, is there a chance that I could contract warts, herpes, or syphilis? --> If there is no contact with the perineum and you can confirm there are no wounds, the risk of STIs should be low.
4.
Following up on the previous question, if the female's breasts have a skin wound and I do not, is it possible for me to contract warts, herpes, or syphilis? --> If the female has an STI and there is contact with the wound, there is a possibility of transmission.
5.
Lastly, if one party has warts or genital herpes or syphilis, does skin contact (such as hands or feet) between both parties mean the other party will contract the disease? --> Yes, but the risk can be assessed as follows:
- No risk: activities such as masturbation, hugging, or touching areas other than the genitals.

- Low risk: mutual masturbation or rubbing, deep kissing, bondage, or sexual activities with the use of condoms or diaphragms.

- High risk: ejaculation outside, sharing sex toys, unprotected deep foreplay, oral sex before ejaculation, and during menstruation.

- Very high risk: unprotected sexual intercourse, oral sex during menstruation, retaining semen in the mouth, sharing needles or syringes, and bleeding during sexual activity.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/05/07

More Info

When it comes to understanding the risks associated with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), especially in the context of interactions with sex workers, it's crucial to assess the situation carefully. Here are the answers to your questions based on medical knowledge and guidelines regarding STD transmission.

1. If both parties have no skin injuries, can I contract HPV (genital warts), herpes, or syphilis from touching each other’s groin areas?
- The risk of contracting HPV, herpes, or syphilis through mutual touching of the groin areas without any open wounds is generally low, especially if there are no visible lesions. However, HPV and herpes can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, even when no symptoms are present. Therefore, while the risk is reduced, it is not entirely eliminated.

2. If the female partner has a skin injury in the groin area and I do not, can I contract HPV, herpes, or syphilis?
- Yes, if the female partner has a skin injury or lesion in the groin area, there is a risk of transmission of STDs, including HPV, herpes, and syphilis, even if you do not have any open wounds. The presence of lesions can facilitate the entry of pathogens into your body.

3. If my genital area rubs against the female partner's breasts (without any skin injuries), can I contract HPV, herpes, or syphilis?
- The risk of contracting STDs through breast rubbing (also known as "dry humping") is relatively low, especially if there are no injuries or lesions on either party. However, as with other forms of skin-to-skin contact, there is still a minimal risk for HPV and herpes transmission.

4. If the female partner's breasts have skin injuries and I do not, can I contract HPV, herpes, or syphilis?
- Yes, if the female partner has skin injuries on her breasts, there is a risk of transmission of STDs. The presence of lesions can allow for the transfer of infectious agents, even if you do not have any injuries.

5. If one partner has HPV, herpes, or syphilis, does skin contact (like hands or feet) guarantee transmission to the other partner?
- Transmission of STDs through casual skin contact (such as touching hands or feet) is generally considered low risk. However, certain STDs, particularly herpes and HPV, can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. For example, herpes can be spread through contact with infected skin, even if the contact is not directly involving the genital area. Thus, while the risk is not guaranteed, it is still present.

Additional Considerations for STD Prevention:
- Use of Condoms: Condoms significantly reduce the risk of STD transmission during sexual activities. They are effective against many STDs, including HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, but may not provide complete protection against STDs transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, such as HPV and herpes.

- Regular Testing: Regular STD screenings are essential, especially if you engage in sexual activities with multiple partners or sex workers. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and further transmission.

- Communication: Open and honest communication with sexual partners about sexual health, history, and any potential risks is crucial for maintaining safety.

- Vaccination: Vaccines are available for certain STDs, such as HPV and hepatitis B. Consider discussing vaccination options with your healthcare provider.

In conclusion, while the risks associated with certain sexual practices can be assessed, it is essential to understand that no sexual activity is entirely without risk. Practicing safe sex, maintaining regular health check-ups, and being informed about STDs can significantly reduce the likelihood of transmission.

Similar Q&A

Understanding STD Risks: Oral, Manual, and Protected Intercourse

Regarding oral sex, mutual masturbation, and protected vaginal intercourse, the risk of HIV transmission is relatively low. However, for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis, the risk can still be significant. While using...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: The risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is not significantly different. Engaging in safe sex can prevent a large proportion of sexually transmitted diseases. Wishing you good health.

Understanding STD Transmission and Prevention for Safe Intimacy

Hello, doctor. I have no sexual experience, and in case I have intimate contact with others in the future, I would like to understand the main transmission routes of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and prevention methods to protect myself. This will help me decide how far ...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: You may refer to the following categories of sexual behavior based on risk levels: - Low-risk sexual behaviors include: masturbation, hugging, and touching areas other than the genitals. - Moderate-risk sexual behaviors include: mutual masturbation, mutual rub...

Understanding STD Risks: Safe Sex Practices and Oral Sex with Condoms

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: If safe sex practices are followed, most sexually transmitted infections can be prevented; however, genital warts can be tricky, as they may not necessarily be located within the area protected by a condom. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Safe Sexual Practices: Urology Insights on STD Risks

Hello, doctor. If a male engages in the following activities with a female worker who undergoes regular blood tests, are these considered safe behaviors, and can the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) be significantly reduced: 1) Touching the external part of the fema...

Dr. Cai Zhuorong reply Urology
Indeed, appropriate protective measures are very helpful in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections. However, sex workers themselves belong to a high-risk group, and if there are any concerns, it is still advisable to undergo anonymous screening.