Touching a Vagina

[j4000]

Dr Hook and Dr. Handsfield

A little less than a month ago I went to a strip club.  The stripper’s breasts were exposed and she wore underwear.  My pants remained on.  However, when I touched her stomach, she moved her body giving me limited access to her vagina. I may or may not have fingered her.  I do not recall if I had any cuts or open wounds on my fingers.  Although, I was not proud of my behavior (not a regular at the Gentlemen’s’ Clubs), I felt that I had not done anything risky.  I went ahead and continued sexual relations with my wife.  Now I am not so sure.  Since I may have touched the stripper’s vaginal secretions (cuts on fingers), I am really concerned about STDS, especially  HIV and hepatitis.  I read Dr. Gonzalez-Garcia’s blog http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/154495/HIV-through-fingering-a-Vagina regarding there is no risk of catching HIV by fingering a vagina even if there is a open wound and no worldwide reported cases.  He does not mention any other STDS.  However, the blog is 3 years old and I wanted to confirm that it is up to date.  I do not know much about STDS, so I would like to clarification if I am at risk for any STDs or put my wife at risk, and do I need any a testing?  Do you both generally have the same opinion and advice?  

Thank  you.

[j4000]

Thanks again.  I appreciate your time, assessment and advice.  

[Edward W Hook, MD]

As I said above, no change in my assessment or advice. EWH

[j4000]

Thanks Doctor.  Last question.  Your assessment of my risks from my original post have not changed?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Transient rash and sore throat can be manifestations of recently acquired HIV but they are typically accompanied by severe muscle and joint aches and high fevers.  More importantly, these same symptoms can be casues by any number of viral infections and when persons with symptoms such as yours have been studied, less than 1% turn out to have HIV.  Finally, in your case, these symptoms are occurring too late to suggest HIV.  No change in my assessment or advice.  EWH

[j4000]

Doctor

I recently had a rash on my stomach (lasted 24 hours). Right afterwards, I developed a sore throat (ongoing for a week). I read on one of the blogs that these could be symptoms of HIV.  I have not had any new risks since my original post.  Do your original comments change?  Do you have any different recomendations?  

Thank you.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad I could help. Take care.  EWH

[j4000]

Thank you for answering my questions.   You were very informative, a great help,  and you put my mind at ease.  

[Edward W Hook, MD]

This is not a meaningful concern and there is no recommended test for HPV in this situation. EWH

[j4000]

Did my follow-up get posted?

[j4000]

Dr.

I did read a comment in one of the threads from Dr. Hansfield. that there is a possibility of getting HPV on your hands?  Did I read it incorrectly?  Do I need to worry or test?

Thanks.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

As I said, theoretically you could get syphilis or herpes on your hands. This would lead to sores within a month of touching the lesion.  Let me emphasize, this is totally theoretical and NOT a realistic concern.

Hepatitis is not a concern either.  EWH

[j4000]

Sorry to bother you, but is Hepatitis no risk as well?

[j4000]

Thanks Doc.

Do you mean you get herpes or syphilis theorectically or your hands?  Would get sores on your hands?  

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  I'll be glad to comment.  These comments are still up to date. There is no risk for HIV or for other STIs from touching the vagina or genital secretions of an infected person.  We must acknowledge that there is a theoretical risk that if you were to touch a sore caused by herpes or syphilis that there might be a THEORETICAL risk for becoming infected but the fact is that this has happened an enormous number of times and there are no instances in which transmission of infection (of any sort of STI) has occurred.  Thus this is the same sort of theoretical risk as the theoretical risk that you will be struck by lightning today- not something to worry about.  You have no need to worry and no need to test.

I hope this comment is helpful. EWH