Can You Get Genital Warts from a Massage Parlor Experience?

Q: Can You Get Genital Warts from a Massage Parlor Experience?

Concerned Abel： Hello, as long as the various massage or cleaning products you use do not contain the human papillomavirus (HPV), you will not be infected. <br>Conversely, if live viral strains are present and come into contact with mucous membranes or skin, infection is possible

Could this lead to cauliflower ear?

Hello, Dr.
Hsu: Here's the situation.
Recently, I visited a sensual massage parlor where I received a massage.
Throughout the process, the attendant used her hands to help me achieve ejaculation.
Afterward, she wiped my glans with a tissue.
Before the massage began, she asked me to wash in their "company" bathroom (shower).
The towel she provided was a disposable paper towel.
Then, she instructed me to lie naked on a massage table covered with a large paper towel for about thirty minutes.

What I would like to ask you is this: considering all the factors (the doorknob of the room, their bathroom facilities, the disposable paper towel provided for wiping, and the large paper towel on the massage table), what are the chances of me contracting genital warts? I saw online that genital warts can be transmitted indirectly, which makes me quite anxious.
Could you please provide some clarification? Thank you.

Danxin de Yabo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/09/14

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Concerned Abel: Hello, as long as the various massage or cleaning products you use do not contain the human papillomavirus (HPV), you will not be infected.
Conversely, if live viral strains are present and come into contact with mucous membranes or skin, infection is possible.
No expert can provide you with the probability of transmission, and I cannot either.
Without conducting actual viral analyses on these surfaces, it is impossible to make further predictions about the likelihood of infection.
There have been cases where patients contracted HPV from shared mice in internet cafes.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further.
Department of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan.
Director Xu Weikai.

Reply Date: 2009/09/14

More Info

Genital warts, caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), are primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activities. Your concern about the possibility of contracting genital warts from a massage parlor experience is understandable, especially given the intimate nature of the services provided.
Based on the scenario you described, the risk of contracting genital warts from the experience you had is relatively low, but it is not zero. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Direct Contact: Genital warts are most commonly spread through direct contact with an infected area. In your case, the only direct contact you had was with the masseuse's hands during the hand stimulation. If the masseuse had genital warts or was infected with HPV, there is a potential risk of transmission through her hands if they came into contact with the warts and then with your genital area.

2. Indirect Transmission: HPV is not typically transmitted through surfaces or objects, as it requires direct skin-to-skin contact for transmission. The use of disposable paper towels and the cleanliness of the environment can reduce the risk of indirect transmission. However, if the masseuse had HPV on her hands and then touched your genital area, that could pose a risk.

3. Bathing and Hygiene: The fact that you washed before the massage is a positive step in maintaining hygiene, but it does not eliminate the risk entirely. HPV can be present on the skin even if it appears clean.

4. Symptoms and Monitoring: If you are concerned about potential exposure to HPV, it is advisable to monitor for any symptoms of genital warts, which can appear as small, flesh-colored or gray growths in the genital area. If you notice any unusual growths or changes, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and possible testing.

5. Vaccination: If you have not already been vaccinated against HPV, consider discussing the HPV vaccine with your healthcare provider. The vaccine can protect against the most common strains of HPV that cause genital warts and certain types of cancer.

6. Consulting a Healthcare Provider: If you have ongoing concerns or anxiety about potential exposure to HPV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it is best to consult a healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on testing, prevention, and any necessary treatment options.

In summary, while the risk of contracting genital warts from your described experience is low, it is not completely absent. Monitoring for symptoms and consulting with a healthcare provider for further advice and potential testing is the best course of action. Remember that practicing safe sex, including the use of condoms and regular STI screenings, can significantly reduce the risk of transmission of HPV and other STIs in the future.

Similar Q&A

Can You Contract HPV from Touching in a Massage Parlor?

Hello, doctor: 1. Could you please tell me if the situation where a woman only performed acupressure massage and manual stimulation on me in a massage parlor could potentially lead to the transmission of genital warts (condyloma acuminatum)? 2. I touched the woman's breas...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: 1. Is it possible to contract genital warts if the massage therapist only performed acupressure and manual stimulation? --> If the other person has the HPV virus, it is possible, but the risk is lower than with sexual intercourse. 2. I touched the therapist's br...

Can You Get Genital Warts from Oral Contact Without Intercourse?

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if I can contract genital warts or other sexually transmitted infections from having my testicles licked at a massage parlor, even if there is no sexual intercourse involved? Thank you.

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: The chances are low, but if the other person has a sexually transmitted infection, you still have a slight risk, so be cautious.

Can Towel Use in Massage Shops Lead to Genital Warts?

Doctor, if towels used in massage parlors (which are generally washed and dried) or heated and humidified towels come into contact with the body, including the genital area, can this lead to an infection with genital warts?

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Personally, I do not recommend using it, as it is difficult to ensure complete cleaning and disinfection. Of course, there have been cases, but the likelihood is extremely low because the wart virus cannot survive for long in unfavorable environments. If transmission occur...

Could You Have Genital Warts or STDs After a Massage?

A few days ago, I went to a hotel and received a Thai massage from a sex worker. I lay on the water bed during the session, and after the massage, I had unprotected oral sex, but there was no intercourse. Since then, I've been experiencing itching in my anal area daily, alth...

Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, although there was no direct contact between the genital organs, it is still classified as sexual contact. Since there were no protective measures and there is a possibility of bodily fluid exchange, there is still a risk of contracting a sexuall...