Can STDs Be Transmitted Through a Hand Job?

Even though a hand job is generally regarded as a safer sexual practice, it still poses certain threats to your sexual health. This blog discusses how STDs can be transmitted and which STDs you can get from hand job.  So, let’s get started, can you get an STD from a hand job?

Yes, even though it is a low-risk act, it is possible to get an STD from either receiving or giving a hand job, but particularly if any semen or spit is involved. If you are performing a hand job and come in contact with someone else’s infected body fluid (such as semen) on your fingers, and you then touch your own genital area, then you are at risk for an STD. Although rare, you could give STDs to the person on the receiving end if he has any micro-tears or abrasions in that area. 

Let’s discuss the risk of STDs when performing a hand job, what STDs you could spread to others, and what you can do to make it safer for both parties.

Can Hand Job Transfer STIs?

While a hand job is viewed as a ‘safer’ sexual behaviour than penetrative, oral or anal sex; hand jobs carry more modest risk of STD exposure and transmission. Yet, even for the person receiving the hand job, the chance of STD transmission is always lower risk than if you were giving the hand job.

If you are receiving a hand job

You may only contract an STD because of a hand job if the person giving you the hand job is using saliva or spit as a lubricant. Some of these STDs, such as syphilis or herpes, can be transferred through saliva. Therefore, if the person is using saliva to lubricate their hand to then put on your genitals, this would put you at risk of contracting an STD.

Rarely, another STD – human papillomavirus (HPV) or genital warts – can pass on from someone’s skin to your skin if you have a minor cut, tear or abrasion in your genital area – possibly even if you did not observe, and there is no spit or saliva present.

If you are giving a hand job

It may seem surprising, but giving a hand job can present a greater risk of contracting an STD than receiving one. If infected body fluids (semen or secretions of fluid from a herpes blister with sores) are transferred to your hands and you then touch your own genitals or mouth without washing your hands, you may become infected with an STD.

Although it is uncommon, other options in the infected fluids (like pre-ejaculate or semen) can transmit STDs if they come into contact with a sore or cut in the skin on your hands. This is still unlikely, but relevant for viral infections such as HPV. 

What STDs Can You Get from a Hand Job?

In terms of germs involved, hand jobs do not transmit the same STDs, such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia or HIV, whose infection cause a larger exchange of fluids in penetrative or oral sex. The STDs most likely transmitted indirectly via jerking somebody off would be:

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial illness that is spread by direct contact with a lesion or sore.It may be possible to transmit syphilis with a hand job through contact with the infected area, even though it lacks general penetration. Additionally, if a person is HIV positive, infection would be more likely if syphilis was present.

Genital Herpes

Herpes is very contagious through contact with infected skin, particularly when you have blisters or sores present. The herpes virus can sometimes be passed on even when you do not have visible sores in the general area. There is no cure for herpes, though there is a medication that can decrease viral shedding as well as outbreaks.

Genital Warts (HPV)  

HPV that causes genital warts can quickly be passed on through contact with the skin of the infected area. If no bodily fluids are involved while jerking someone off, or if you use a barrier method, you can nearly eliminate the risk of transmission of HPV.

How to Prevent the Risk of STD during a Hand Job?

Hand jobs are generally low-risk sexual behaviour; however, it is worth taking a few precautions to keep it all a safe, stress-free experience. Here’s how you can prevent the risk of an STD while still making both feel good:

• Wash your hands before and after: This is straightforward. Clean hands help eliminate the risk of transmitting viruses or bacteria, and help you keep things safe and hygienic.
• Avoid touching your own genitals during the activity: If you switch from penetrating to receiving, consider using alternate hands. This very simple step will help avoid any possible transmission of fluids.
• Consider wearing a condom: Although it might not feel as pleasurable, using a condom on your partner allows an additional protective barrier.
• Use lubricant: Adding a high quality lube can help make it literally smoother and can minimise the possibility of micro-tears on the skin. Water-based or silicone-based lubes are often the best choices when it comes to comfort– use something other than saliva.
• Look for cuts or sores: Scratches, open cuts or even irritated skin can elevate the risk of infection or infection transmission to you or your partner. If you see something, consider waiting for the cut, scratch or irritation to heal.
• Consider nail length and cleanliness: Sharp or long nails can lead to incidental scratching. A quick trim or manicure can help avoid scratches before things heat up.
• Avoid direct contact with bodily fluids: Although it is not always a risk, avoiding exposure to bodily fluids like semen or secretions from the vagina, can further help minimise the risks of infection.

Regular testing is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself as well as your partner. Knowing your STD status ensures you and your partner maintain a level of safety while sexually active or simply helps you breathe a bit easier.

How to Stay Safe with Your Sexual Health

In short, you are at risk of certain STDs (such as HPV, syphilis or herpes) from a hand job; but under certain circumstances (like contact with open cuts, warts or sores). So while rare, it is still advisable to test your sexual health before and after participating in a hand job.

Health Screening Clinic offers a variety of STD tests that may be accomplished in clinic and from the comfort of your home. A full panel test gives you reassurance on whether you have contracted an STD, so you can make safer and more informed sex decisions.

Do reach out to our friendly team today for STI testing in London or just to get advice on which is right for you.