Massage and HIV Risk

[Neveragainn]

Dear Doctor,

Last week, I went to a Chinese studio in Austria to have a massage and handjob. But actually the place offers more than massage, even sex without condom was offered. The masseur lady put a long towel over the mattress and I lied on my back. First I got a handjob by her. And after ejaculation, she cleaned my genital area with a paper towel. And gave a body massage. We were both naked. Her genital area almost never touched to my genital area(just for 10-15 seconds). All together it took 15 minutes to have handjob and massage.

Since they offer sex without condom, I think the lady has a high risk to have HIV. And the room had a temperature around 30C(may be more), was quite dark and very humid. As far as I know, those conditions increase the chance of HIV to survive. And also, I am circumcised. (I do not know whether it has an effect). My questions are;

1. One day before, I cut my pubic hair with a scissors. I have not seen any scar. However, if there was a scar on my pubic area and if she had blood or vaginal fluid on the hand, would it be dangerous?

2. I had a couple of very red pimple on my back and red dots on my hair skin and face (I have seborrheic dermatitis). If the towel that she put was used previously, would it be a risk for transmission?

3. I was in that room for 15 minutes before she started to give handjob. Even though, would the paper towel that she used would cause a risk for transmission? (if there is a sperm or vaginal fluid on that)

4. And the last point is, which kind of STDs can transmit during such an activity? Do I need testing or am I safe to have sex with my girlfriend?

Thank you for your time and sorry for my bad English.

[Neveragainn]

Dear Doctor,

I would like to add one more question to this topic, which is related to this event. Probably it is a coincidence but still would like to hear your comment.

In the last 10 days, starting from 18th day of the event, I have been experiencing intensive Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in my left ear, with feeling of fullness and pain. Because of a nasal problem, I have always had ETD in my left ear but this has never been that strong.

I have had no fever, no sore throat, no rash. Would an increasing ETD be an early symptom of HIV?

I would be so glad to have your comments. Thank you...

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I suggest you stop looking for signs of HIV infection.  Eustachian tube dysfunction is not a sign of HIV.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Thank you.  I am glad I could help.  EWH

[Neveragainn]

Many thanks for your comments Dr. Hook. I am feeling much more better now and will try to move on and continue with my life.

Thank you again and wish you a nice weekend.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  I’ll be happy to comment. The events you describe did not put you at risk for HIV or for other STIs.  HIV is transmitted in adults only through penetrative genital sex or by injection of infected material deep into tissue. It is not transmitted by surface contact with infected secretions, by kissing or by masturbation.  

In your case, you do not know that your partner had HIV.  Most commercial sex workers do not have HIV.  Further the activities you describe were no risk. There is nothing for you to worry about related to the activities you describe and no need for HIV testing.

In response to your specific questions:
1. One day before, I cut my pubic hair with a scissors. I have not seen any scar. However, if there was a scar on my pubic area and if she had blood or vaginal fluid on the hand, would it be dangerous?
No, even if you cut your skin while cutting your pubic hair, there would be no risk for HIV from the activities you describe.

2. I had a couple of very red pimple on my back and red dots on my hair skin and face (I have seborrheic dermatitis). If the towel that she put was used previously, would it be a risk for transmission?
No, HIV is not transmitted by contact with material containing infected secretions.  Your pimples do not change this.

3. I was in that room for 15 minutes before she started to give handjob. Even though, would the paper towel that she used would cause a risk for transmission? (if there is a sperm or vaginal fluid on that).
No, this was no risk. Any HIV present would have become non-infectious long before the paper towel was used on you.

4. And the last point is, which kind of STDs can transmit during such an activity? Do I need testing or am I safe to have sex with my girlfriend?
I would not worry about STIs from this exposure. There is no reason related to the activities that you describe to worry about other STIs.

I hope this comment is helpful to you. EWH