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Herpes and Thigh Contact
During a massage, the masseuse (who was wearing a short dress) unexpectedly sat on the back side of my right thigh. I felt her inner thigh touching mine. I quickly asked her to get off of me, which she did. I don't know whether she was wearing underwear or not. If she has herpes, is there any chance that contact between her genitals or inner thigh and my inner thigh could have transmitted the virus? Thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum. I'll try to help.
Based on this question and the one a few months ago on the herpes community forum, you apparently have misconceptions about HSV and its transmission. It takes fairly vigorous contact to transmit the virus: active herpes needs to be present, and the infected body part has to come into fairly vigorous contact with susceptible tissues. That's why initial genital herpes usually involves the areas that receive the most friction during sex -- the penis, or the vaginal opening or labia minora in women. The chance your masseuse had HSV on her thigh was probably zero, and if she did, the skin of your thigh is not susceptible -- especially with the brief, fleeting contact you describe.
So for sure no risk and no need for testing. And in the future, just remember the comments above and this take-home message: if your unprotected penis (no condom) does not enter another person's vagina, rectum or mouth, you'll never catch genital herpes.
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
Based on this question and the one a few months ago on the herpes community forum, you apparently have misconceptions about HSV and its transmission. It takes fairly vigorous contact to transmit the virus: active herpes needs to be present, and the infected body part has to come into fairly vigorous contact with susceptible tissues. That's why initial genital herpes usually involves the areas that receive the most friction during sex -- the penis, or the vaginal opening or labia minora in women. The chance your masseuse had HSV on her thigh was probably zero, and if she did, the skin of your thigh is not susceptible -- especially with the brief, fleeting contact you describe.
So for sure no risk and no need for testing. And in the future, just remember the comments above and this take-home message: if your unprotected penis (no condom) does not enter another person's vagina, rectum or mouth, you'll never catch genital herpes.
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Herpes can be spread when the infected person has no known outbreak. But this is irrelevant to your situation. My initial reply makes it clear there was no risk, even if your partner had genital herpes that was active at the time of the event.
Don't overthink this situation. There is no scenario likely to come to your mind that would change my opinion or advice.
Thanks for the thanks. But it's time to move on with no worries, fears, or concerns about this non-exposure event.
Don't overthink this situation. There is no scenario likely to come to your mind that would change my opinion or advice.
Thanks for the thanks. But it's time to move on with no worries, fears, or concerns about this non-exposure event.
One follow-up: other sources say even inactive herpes can be spread. Do you disagree? Thank you.
Thank you.
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.
