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Washing after oral sex
I recieved oral sex during a massage session, after which i showered. I showered within 5 min and very thoroughly, using soap on all parts of my body. I then washed thoroughly again at home within 45 min (even using an iodine based surgical skin scrub). I was wondering if this will decrease my risk of any infection. Hopefully significantly. I'm most concerned about HPV and HSV. But any insight would be good
Thank you
Thank you
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the STD forum.
There is little or no risk for HPV from oral sex. Most sexually active people, including sex workers, do not have oral infections with the genital HPV types. It can happen and may account for a small minority of genital HPV infections, but rarely. However, there are no known statistics on which to judge the numerical risk.
HSV-1 is always a potential risk from oral sex. However, half of all adults have had HSV-1 (usually without symptoms of cold sores etc); if you're in that half the population, you are immune or highly resistant to a new HSV-1 infection, i.e. not at risk at all. And even if at risk, probably HSV-1 is transmitted less than 1 time in 1,000 after events like you describe.
There are no data to show whether washing after sex helps prevent HSV or HPV, but it probably doesn't hurt. If it reduces the risk, probably the effect is minor. But your risk was so low anyway that I really wouldn't worry about it. Obviously, if you develop symptoms of herpes (penile blisters/sores) in the next several days, get it checked out. But it's very unlikely.
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
There is little or no risk for HPV from oral sex. Most sexually active people, including sex workers, do not have oral infections with the genital HPV types. It can happen and may account for a small minority of genital HPV infections, but rarely. However, there are no known statistics on which to judge the numerical risk.
HSV-1 is always a potential risk from oral sex. However, half of all adults have had HSV-1 (usually without symptoms of cold sores etc); if you're in that half the population, you are immune or highly resistant to a new HSV-1 infection, i.e. not at risk at all. And even if at risk, probably HSV-1 is transmitted less than 1 time in 1,000 after events like you describe.
There are no data to show whether washing after sex helps prevent HSV or HPV, but it probably doesn't hurt. If it reduces the risk, probably the effect is minor. But your risk was so low anyway that I really wouldn't worry about it. Obviously, if you develop symptoms of herpes (penile blisters/sores) in the next several days, get it checked out. But it's very unlikely.
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
It helps a great deal. Thank you for the prompt response.
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
