Possible transmission Route

[CA1984]

Doctors

I love giving handjobs and do it often. I have been operating under the assumption that this is safe sex.

Four days ago a friend of mine -- who has a problem with my sexual acts -- told me I should stop because I can get HIV if semen gets underneath my fingernails. He told me that underneath the fingernail is mucous membranes that will get infected. I cant find any information about this but it cant be true can it?!??

Short hand -- IF I get semen underneath my fingernails am i at risk for HIV?????

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

This is simple and straightforward.  You are right and your friend is wrong.  HIV has never been known to be transmitted by hand-genital contact. Hand jobs are safe sex, whether you get a partner's semen under your fingernails or anywhere else.  (And the tissues under the fingernails are not mucous membranes, by the way.)

Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Correct.  EWH

[ca1985]

WOW! An answer from both doctors!

Doctors, I just got back from a nice long vacation to find both you answered my question! ( I forgot my username password, please forgive that!)

Dr Hook -- when you say masturbation, you mean mutual masturbation right? I want to make sure because I work construction and get cuts and scrapes on my hands all the time -- especially near the tips of my fingers and fingernails. Is it safe to say unless im giving a handjob with bleeding wounds, semen poses no threat for hiv transmission? Thanks again.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

It is not often I get a chance to give 1-word answers but this is a case were I can.  Emphatically-NO!

Your friend is misinformed.  No one has ever gotten HIV from masturbation even if they got semen under their fingernails, even with hangnails, even with healing cuts on their hands. Take care.  EWH