Manual Touching

[pinky1017]

Hello Doctors,
I am hoping you can help ease my mind.  While reading your other posts I see that you do not believe that STD's can be passed from genitals via a hand.  Most of the posters asking are male.  Is this the same likleyhood for females?  I ask as I have recently been a situation where a mans hand touched my outer labia and maybe one finger went into the folds approximatley 1/2 an inch if that.  There was absolutley no penetration into the vagina and his hand was there for approximatley 15 seconds max.  (We were both fully clothed) I am not sure if he touched himself first for all I know he could have masterbated.  This was almost 6 weeks ago and have been under mega mental stress since.  I have been tested for chlamidia, gonnereah and BV.  With negative results.  I am now worried about herpes but since this exposure have not developed any lesions.  I do have pelvic and low back pain but I am thinking excessive amounts of stress.

Thank you for your time and consideration

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  As I reflect on your question, you are absolutely right- most of the questions about masturbation and touching are from a male perspective.  I can tell you however that the biology of masturbation and touching is the same for members of both sexes. There is not risk to you of getting an STD from a male who touches or masturbates your genitals, even if he has touched himself or has genital secretions on his hand at the time he does.  You do not need testing or to be concerned.  I am confident that your pelvic and back pain is not related to the event you describe although stress, whether from this or something else certainly could do it.

I hope my comment helps in some small way to relieve your stress related to this event.  Take care. EWH

[pinky1017]

Thank you.  You have eased my mind greatly!  I appreciate your time.