Can you get an STD from a hand job?

When most people think of the dangers associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), they tend not to think of hand jobs.

But the truth is that you can contract a sexually transmitted disease from any kind of sexual activity, including hand jobs.

In this blog, we will explain why you can get an STI from a hand job, what types of STIs are commonly transmitted through hand jobs, and how you can protect yourself.

How STIs transfer from person to person

To understand the risks associated with giving or receiving hand jobs, it helps to have a basic understanding of how STIs spread.

STIs are bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections that tend to pass from one person to another through sharing infected bodily fluids and genital secretions, including (but not limited to) semen, blood, and vaginal fluids.

However, some STIs can be passed on through simple skin-to-skin contact. This skin-to-skin contact could include touching genitals together, simply touching your partner’s genitals with your hand, or them touching yours.

This is why talking about STIs solely in the context of penetrative sex can be misleading. You don’t have to have intercourse to get an STI.

The risks of getting and giving hand jobs

A hand job usually involves the manual stimulation of another person’s penis, testicles, vulva, vagina and anus.

A hand job is generally a lower risk sexual act than intercourse. However, if either person involved is infected with an STI, there is still a risk.

Some sexually transmitted infections can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact. There is also an increased risk if the person giving the hand job has also been masturbating themselves, if there are more than two people present, or they have cuts or open wounds on their hands or fingers that are then exposed to another person’s bodily fluids.

In general, receiving hand jobs is inherently less risky than giving them since the person receiving them is not exposed to someone else’s bodily fluids.

STIs you can get by giving or receiving hand jobs

Here are some sexually transmitted diseases you can get or pass on from giving or receiving hand jobs.

Human papilloma virus (HPV)

HPV is perhaps the easiest STI you can spread through a hand job. HPV can cause Genital Warts and increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer in women.

The virus can be spread through hand-to-genital contact. The risk of this happening is heightened if you touch your genitals after performing the hand job if your partner is infected.

Herpes

The Herpes Simplex Virus family contains two strains: HSV 1 and HSV 2. HSV 1 is more commonly known as Oral Herpes, which causes cold sores. HSV 2, on the other hand, is more commonly known as Genital Herpes.

A Herpes infection can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact, especially if the person giving the hand job touches Herpetic blisters or sores on their mouth or genitals when they are having an outbreak.

If the person receiving the hand job has an HSV 2 infection, it is possible to pass on the infection to the other person, especially if that person goes on to touch their genitals before washing their hands.

There is also a condition known as Herpetic Whitlow, where an HSV 1 or HSV 2 infection infects the fingers. This usually happens when a person has a cut or open wound on their finger, and they touch a sore caused by HSV 1 or HSV 2.

Symptoms of Herpetic Whitlow include swelling or pain in the finger, blisters or sores appearing on the finger, and any soreness or redness appearing at the site of infection.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea

While it is less common, it is technically possible to get Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea when receiving a hand job.

Many people use saliva as a lubricant when giving a hand job. In this way, someone with an oral Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea infection can transfer the infection from their saliva to their partner’s genitals.

Syphilis

Syphilis is spread through direct contact with an infected person’s Syphilitic sore, also known as a chancre. A Syphilis infection can be spread through mucous membrane contact with these sores. The infection is far more likely to spread if the infected person touches their own Syphilitic sore and then touches your genitals.

How to protect yourself when giving or receiving hand jobs

Any sexual contact carries inherent risks, so you must take measures to protect yourself and your sexual partner or sexual partners.

After performing a hand job, wash your hands with soap and water to remove any bodily fluids. The person receiving the hand job may also wish to wash their genitals as well.

Sexually active individuals should get tested for sexually transmitted infections on a regular basis, especially if they have a new sexual partner.

It’s best if you and your new partner get an STI test before you get intimate to ensure you know the status of your sexual health and get treated accordingly.

Call the number above to speak to Better2Know’s Sexual Health Advisors. They will be able to help you choose a test and STI clinic that will suit your needs.

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Steve Chapman, 11/06/2024.