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HSV from Mutual Masturbation
Hello Doctor:
I have read a great deal of your responses on this website, but i figured that of course (like everyone else does) that I would ask you the same question others have as if my situation is different in some sort of way. With that said, here goes my situation and my question--and i look forward to hearing your response, although i suspect I already know the answer.
About 4-5 days ago I engaged in mutual masturbation with a man who claimed that he was clean. Obviously, this isn't the best way to find out the truth, but that's neither here nor there. I asked him later if he had been tested for herpes lately and he said that he hadn't been, but that he's never had symptoms. Essentially the entire encounter only lasted a few minutes, i masturbated him with the same hand that i used on myself and he did the same (using his hand to masturbate me and then himself). I've been looking around some other places, and you seem to be the only person I've come across that says mutual masturbation in this way is a non-risk to the extent that you say in a response to someone that they should "save their money" on the test if they're worried about contracting HSV from mutual masturbation.
about 2 days after the interaction i have had some funny sensations happening, but mostly itching in my general genital area. this isn't too convincing to me seeing as i know psychosomatic symptoms can feel real even though the cause might be misjudged. i've also had a little bit of burning when i urinate, but nothing that uncomfortable or anything, and it didn't last more than once or twice (which i'm assuming is also psychosomatic, too!) but the itching has persisted about 2 and a half days or so.
my question:
1.) do you think i was exposed to HSV during this interaction, and should i be worried or should i just get the hell over it and realize that my mind is messing with me and the sooner i realize it, the sooner my phantom symptoms will be gone...
I have read a great deal of your responses on this website, but i figured that of course (like everyone else does) that I would ask you the same question others have as if my situation is different in some sort of way. With that said, here goes my situation and my question--and i look forward to hearing your response, although i suspect I already know the answer.
About 4-5 days ago I engaged in mutual masturbation with a man who claimed that he was clean. Obviously, this isn't the best way to find out the truth, but that's neither here nor there. I asked him later if he had been tested for herpes lately and he said that he hadn't been, but that he's never had symptoms. Essentially the entire encounter only lasted a few minutes, i masturbated him with the same hand that i used on myself and he did the same (using his hand to masturbate me and then himself). I've been looking around some other places, and you seem to be the only person I've come across that says mutual masturbation in this way is a non-risk to the extent that you say in a response to someone that they should "save their money" on the test if they're worried about contracting HSV from mutual masturbation.
about 2 days after the interaction i have had some funny sensations happening, but mostly itching in my general genital area. this isn't too convincing to me seeing as i know psychosomatic symptoms can feel real even though the cause might be misjudged. i've also had a little bit of burning when i urinate, but nothing that uncomfortable or anything, and it didn't last more than once or twice (which i'm assuming is also psychosomatic, too!) but the itching has persisted about 2 and a half days or so.
my question:
1.) do you think i was exposed to HSV during this interaction, and should i be worried or should i just get the hell over it and realize that my mind is messing with me and the sooner i realize it, the sooner my phantom symptoms will be gone...
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I think you do know what I'm about to say. I have never seen any STD spread through mutual masturbation. On the other hand, I have regularly seen folks with minor discomforts (I don't mean to minimize your symptoms but they sound like more of a nuisance than pain) due to either trauma from overly vigorous masturbation or with reactions to lotions/creams used during the act – is this a possibility? In addition, the power of suggestion can get most people to itch if they focus on a particular part of their body (try focusing on the skin under your watch- typically it will start to itch rather quickly).
If you had HSV from the interaction you describe you would develop lesions within hours of the onset of your abnormal sensations.
Try not to worry. EWH
If you had HSV from the interaction you describe you would develop lesions within hours of the onset of your abnormal sensations.
Try not to worry. EWH
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You ask several questions. In answer to your first question, there are many sources of misinformation on HSV infections. The stigma-fueled, paranoia so prevalent on the internet is one source. In addition, many health care providers do not have an up to date understanding of the disease. These are the two main sources, in my opinion.
As to why hand to genital tranmission doesn't occur- this is a complex, multifaceted issue. Two of the main reasons are that HSV infection of the hands/fingers is very, very rare and the infection is only effectively transmitted by direct contact. Secondly, and related, is that transfer of living virus from one site to another on a person's hands or on inanimate objects doesn't occur because the virus looses too much viabiltiy too quickly.
EWH
As to why hand to genital tranmission doesn't occur- this is a complex, multifaceted issue. Two of the main reasons are that HSV infection of the hands/fingers is very, very rare and the infection is only effectively transmitted by direct contact. Secondly, and related, is that transfer of living virus from one site to another on a person's hands or on inanimate objects doesn't occur because the virus looses too much viabiltiy too quickly.
EWH
thanks for your quick response--and you were right, i did kind of already know what you were going to say--haha. i guess as a follow-up i'd like to ask you where these assertions come from that this kind of activity is conducive to transmitting HSV. i know that the internet probably has something to do with it, but are doctors also to blame for the misinformation? i guess what i'm asking in addition to that is, what are the properties of HSV that make it zero risk to get from mutual masturbation. i'm just generally interested, maybe you'd oblige me with an answer. thanks again for the timely response, and if i have a scare again i'll be sure to ask you what you think!
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
