Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases that people usually contract through sexual activity, including manual stimulation. They are also commonly known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

While there is a low risk of getting STIs from manual stimulation, such as a handjob or fingering a vagina or anus, there is still a possibility of transmitting STIs from person to person.

This article discusses the different ways people may get STIs during handjobs or fingering, which STIs people are more likely to transmit in this way, and how to get tested and enjoy safer sex.

The hands of two people embracing while in bed, suggesting they may have just engaged in sexual activities such as manual stimulation.Share on Pinterest
Image credit: Alexey Dulin/FOAP/Getty Images

It is possible to contract an STI from a handjob.

Some STIs can spread via semen. If a person contracts an STI and their semen touches someone else’s genitals following a handjob, they may spread the STI.

For example, although unlikely, it is possible to transmit HIV if the semen of someone with HIV comes into contact with an open cut on a person giving the handjob.

It is also possible to transmit STIs via other bodily fluids. People can transmit hepatitis B through blood, and if people use saliva as a lubricant, there is a chance of spreading STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis.

Additionally, other STIs, such as herpes, may spread through skin-to-skin contact.

Fingering, or digital stimulation, can transmit STIs in the same way that handjobs can.

Vaginal discharge and lubrication can carry the same STIs as semen, such as HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Similar to giving a handjob, a person who fingers a vagina or anus can contract an STI if they then touch their own genitals or mouth.

In addition, if there are open wounds in the vagina or anus, and the fingers, it is possible to transmit blood-borne STIs, such as HIV and hepatitis B. The same is true for STIs that spread mainly through skin-to-skin contact, including genital herpes.

However, fingering is one of the lower-risk sexual activities. While there is an increased chance of transmitting STIs if there is broken skin in the vagina or anus and on the fingers, it is not common.

While it is possible to get any STI from manual stimulation, there are some infections that people are more likely to transmit than others this way.

HPV

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is an STI that can cause cancer. People most commonly contract it through genital-to-genital contact. However, a 2019 study found that, although unlikely, transmitting HPV through hand-to-genital contact is possible.

Scabies

Scabies is a skin condition that causes itchiness. Tiny parasites spread it during prolonged skin-to-skin contact. This condition can cause rashes, irritation, and itching.

Herpes

Herpes is an infection that can spread through skin-to-skin contact and via genital excretions, such as semen and vaginal fluids.

It can also spread if a person touches a herpes sore and then their mouth, genitals, or eyes without washing their hands. While herpes is more contagious when a sore is open and wet, it is possible to transmit it without any symptoms.

There are some STIs that people are less likely to contract from manual stimulation. Most of them have to come into contact somewhere on the body not often touched, such as the eye, or open wounds. These infections include:

  • gonorrhea and chlamydia, which can transmit through touching an eye with infected fluid
  • hepatitis B, which a person can spread through semen, vaginal fluids, and blood, mainly through vaginal, anal, or oral sex
  • HIV, which people can transmit from HIV-infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids getting into open cuts or sores on the body
  • syphilis, which people mainly transmit through vaginal and anal sex, and less commonly, oral sex

The most common STI symptoms include:

  • sores or bumps around the genitals, thighs, or bottom
  • unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
  • burning sensations while urinating, or urinating a lot
  • any itching, pain, irritation, or swelling in the penis, vagina, vulva, or anus

Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean a person has an STI. Other conditions, such as yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs), can cause the same symptoms.

Many STIs do not come with any symptoms, so the only way to know if a person has one is to get tested. People should ask for an STI test if:

  • they have any symptoms of STIs
  • they have unprotected sex
  • a partner has an STI

People can ask for an STI test at a doctor’s office, health clinic, or their local Planned Parenthood health center. A person’s insurance plan may cover STI testing, meaning people can get tested for free or at a reduced price.

There are many ways people can have sex with a decreased risk of contracting STIs.

People should wash their genitals, hands, and anything else that comes into contact with their partner before and after sexual activities. They should also avoid contact with sores, scratches, or open wounds.

The most effective way of minimizing or avoiding the transmission of STIs is by using a barrier method, such as condoms and dental dams.

Condoms

The most common safe sex method is the male condom. When people use condoms correctly, they are highly effective in preventing STIs.

Some useful tips for using condoms include:

  • using a new condom for each sexual activity
  • holding the condom carefully to reduce the risk of tearing from nails or teeth
  • putting the condom on after the penis is erect and before any contact with a partner
  • using only water-based lubricants with latex condoms
  • holding the condom firmly against the base of the penis when withdrawing, and taking it off while the penis is still erect

Internal condoms

Internal condoms, or female condoms, are another type of barrier method. They are effective in reducing the spread of STIs. While people can use internal condoms for anal sex, researchers do not currently know how effective and safe they are.

Dental dams

A dental dam is a piece of latex that goes over the vulva or anus to create a barrier between the genitals or anus and the mouth. This should stay in place the entire time a person is in contact with the genitals.

As dental dams can be hard to find in stores, it is possible to cut open a condom and lay it flat on a partner’s vulva or anus.

While transmitting STIs through manual stimulation is unlikely, there are many different ways in which people can contract them.

Some STIs are more likely to transmit through manual stimulation than others. However, just because an STI is less likely to occur through this method does not mean people should practice unsafe sex.

The use of barrier methods, washing hands often, and avoiding sexual contact if there are noticeable sores or open wounds will decrease the risk of getting an STI.

It is also important for people to regularly test for STIs if they have any symptoms, or they believe they may be at risk.