Mutual Masturbation

[USA2013]

In a weak moment of curiousity, I participated in mutual masturbation (he masturbated me and I, he. nothing else) with another male while in Western Europe a week and a half ago.  No other same-sex exposures.  Fairly straight forward, however, I am now concerned about potential genetial secretions and likelihood of HIV transmission.  The other person stated he had tested negative for everything in August (I believe him), but is fairly active sexually.  Many sites on the internet say "no risk" barring fluid exchange--(am curious how you do this without exchange, honestly).  Many of the threads re. this subject in the Forum however, refer to "no risk" even with fluid exchange.  Hypothetically and worst case, if infected semen from Person A was used by Person B as lubricant, and came into contact with Person B's urethra, would transmission be possible and/or likely for Person B?  Some sites claim this would require an HIV test.  Part of my curiosity/concern centers on my current fever of roughly 100 degrees and diarrhea roughly ten days post contact.  There may have been some contact with the other person's secretions and now my mind is racing with ideas about urethra exposure given my symptoms.  What should I do?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Virtually all HIV prevention campaigns and advice indeed are "well intentioned", but I doubt they are the origin of your or anyone else's heightened anxieties about HIV.  More likely it's a personality issue -- and perhaps slanted health education, which is common in communities and school systems influenced by political or religious conservatism.  Fears like yours seem to be much more common in "red" states than "blue" ones.

I am indeed confident you were not at risk and can move on without giving this event another thought.  Take care.

[USA2013]

Thanks for the prompt reply. Yes, I do seem to have an irrational fear of HIV.  Any thoughts on how to overcome?  Do you think the risk of contracting the virus, and life challenges once positive, are overhyped by well-intentioned campaigns (obviously not to imply a cavalier attitude)?  I am still pretty green sexually, not yet having intercourse, and alot of what I read re std risks scares the hell out of me.  If you are confident I was not at risk with this encounter, I will suck it up and move on. Regret/guilt are probably playing a role too. I greatly appreciate what you and Dr Hook offer here.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

It would appear you continue to have some basic misunderstandings about HIV transmisison.  This is the third time since February that you have posted questions about obviously low or zero risk scenarios.

HIV is not transmitted sexually unless there is insertive sex -- i.e. a peniss inside another person's vagina or rectum (and maybe mouth, but extremely rarely).  Hand-genital contact is risk free. Can I envision a scenario, such as the one you describe, in which HIV might be transmitted?  Sure.  Has it ever happened?  Maybe, but if so, it is too rare to have been reported or to worry about.  I also cannot guaratnee you won't bw struck by a meteorite someday, but I would not advise you take any steps to prevent it.

Diarrhea, even with fever, is rarely if ever the primary symptom of ARS, and I'm confident your illness is unrelated to HIV or any other infection from the mutual masturvation episode 10 days ago.

"What should I do?"  If your symptoms persist or you other wise remain concerned, see a doctor.  But I see no need for HIV worries or testing.

Please note that MedHelp permits a maximum of 2 questions every 6 months on each of the professionally moderated forums (see Terms and Conditions) -- a rule to limit domination of forums by anxiety driven questions.  This is your third on this forum in 7 months and will have to be your last for a while.

Regards--  HHH, MD