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Is it possible that I could have gotten an STD?
I have purchased a few packaged vibrators in the past. Since the store holds a no-return policy, these vibrators are opened at the register, batteries are inserted, and the cashier makes sure that the device is working. If I were to take this vibrator (that the cashier had previously touched briefly to make sure it was working) and go home and use it and insert it inside me, do I have any risk of contracting an STD? I know that I am overly paranoid and worried- was just wondering. ANY help you could give me would be very much appreciated. Thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Of course there is no risk.
They call them sexually transmitted because you have to have sex to transmit them. Store clerks don't have STD germs on their fingers and a vibrator could not be contaminated in the way you describe. Even if it had been inserted in someone's vagina or anus, there would be essentially no risk unless it were used by another person within a few minutes, while the secretions were still wet.
HHH, MD
They call them sexually transmitted because you have to have sex to transmit them. Store clerks don't have STD germs on their fingers and a vibrator could not be contaminated in the way you describe. Even if it had been inserted in someone's vagina or anus, there would be essentially no risk unless it were used by another person within a few minutes, while the secretions were still wet.
HHH, MD
I forgot to mention that this incident happened over three months ago. I have had no symptoms at all.
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.
