Hep B Risk

[Clarkey058]

Dear Doctor,

I'm in a long term heterosexual relationship and stupidly visited a strip club several weeks ago. I fingered one of the girls and am anxious that if I had a small open cut or scratch on my fingers that I hadn't noticed at the time, I may be at risk of hep b. Is this a realistic risk?
In addition, if my finger had gone in my mouth immediately after fingering this girl, would there be any risk of syphilis?
I hope you can advise.
Thanks you

[Edward W Hook, MD]

This will be your last answer.  You are correct about the fact that there is no risk of HIV from this exposure as well, even with the cut on your finger.

There will be no further answers. Take care.  EWH.  

[Clarkey058]

Thanks Doctor, and just to end this thread, I've been working off the assumption that HIV wouldn't be a risk, even if I had a small open cut on my finger when I fingered this stripper, could you confirm that this is also correct as again was just anxious about the possible blood to blood or virginal fluid to blood contact.This final clarification will put my mind at rest about this encounter.
Thank you

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Yes, you have summarized what I said correctly.  No risk for hepatitis B.

If you are concerned iwth risk for hepatitis B, you should get the vaccine.  It is recommended for virtually everyone and highly effective.  EWH

[Clarkey058]

Thanks doctor. My main concern is hep b as I was just concerned that if I'd have had a small open cut or scratch any blood or virginal secretion could have infected my finger causing hep b or syphilis. It would be appreciated if you could confirm that my understanding is correct from your post that there is no meaningful risk of hep b from what I've described and any potential symptoms on my finger could be related to syphilis and NOT hep b (my understanding is that hep b wouldn't cause any obvious symptoms on my finger even if there was a theoretical risk of transmission) (I obviously appreciate the risk of syphilis is tiny). It would be great if you could confirm that what I've taken from your reply is correct just so my anxiety is put to bed. Many thanks

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  Fingering, or in medical terms, masturbation, is not a meaningful risk for any STD, including hepatitis B (hepatitis C is not an STD and hepatitis A is spread only with rectal/oral contact).  Similarly your risk for syphilis is not an issue either, even with directly placing your finger in your mouth after masturbating her.  

Unless you develop local symptoms on your finger, which would be more indicative of a local infection of your cut than anything else, there is no reason for concern and no reason for STD testing of any sort.  

I hope this comment is helpful. EWH