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Is it possible to get an STD from a handjob?

Great question! Receiving or giving a handjob is a safer type of sex that prevents most sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy because there is no exchange of fluids. It’s not common for STIs to spread through getting handjobs (someone touching your penis with their hands) or fingering (someone touching your vulva/vagina with their hands).

There is a theoretical (but very low) chance that syphilis, herpes, Hep B or HPV could be passed by a handjob or fingering. That hand or finger has to have an infectious lesion, rash or body fluid containing one of those infections for it to be possible. And even when it’s possible, it’s very unlikely.

You cannot pass gonorrhea, chamydia or HIV through a handjob or fingering.

If you want to eliminate the risk entirely, you can use a condom during a handjob.
STI testing for you and your partner(s) is also a great way to reduce the risk and enjoy this type of sex. If neither partner has a current infection, then bare handjobs pose no STI risk.