When it comes to sexual health, you often come across a number of myths. There are many stories about the different ways one can get a sexually transmitted infection. Some have value while others are not worth paying attention to.
At Daily Sparkz, we strive to provide you with the best possible information about sexually transmitted diseases so you can make informed decisions about your sexual health.
A question that comes up often is whether it is possible to get a sexually transmitted disease from a handjob. Despite what you might think, the answer to this question is much more nuanced than you might expect.
No sexual activity is without risk. It is always better to know your sexual health status.
What is an STI?
First, let’s clarify what an STI is.
Sexually transmitted infections, sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that are typically transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex. Bacteria, viruses or parasites can cause them and manifest in a variety of ways, from mild discomfort to serious health complications if left untreated.
Many sexually transmitted diseases have no symptoms at all.
Can you get a sexually transmitted disease from a handjob?
In general, the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection from a hand job is very low, but not impossible. Most sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted through contact with infected body fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Manual labor involves manual stimulation of the genitals without penetration into the genital area, which significantly reduces the risk of infection.
However, some sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted through skin-to-skin or genital-to-genital contact.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
The Human papillomavirus (HPV) Transmission often occurs through simple skin-to-skin contact with the genitals of an infected person. HPV can cause genital warts and, in women, cervical cancer.
Herpes simplex virus
Herpes can be transmitted through contact with an infected person, usually by kissing or touching the infected person’s genitals during an outbreak. While infection is more likely during an outbreak, it is still possible to contract genital herpes if the infected person does not experience symptoms. In rare cases Herpes can be transmitted through cuts on the finger. This condition, known as herpetic whitlow, can cause swelling, pain, discolored skin, and blisters in the fingers.
syphilis
syphilis can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person’s chancre, which usually occurs at the original site of infection, usually the genitals. This chancre can appear 10-90 days after the initial infection.
How likely is it that I will get an STI from a handjob?
Although unlikely, it is still possible to get certain infections from giving someone a hand job. Here are some factors that can increase the likelihood of transmission:
- Contact with sperm: Contact with infected body fluids can increase the risk of infection
- Open cuts or wounds: If you have open cuts or sores on your hand, you are more likely to get an infection because the skin cannot adequately protect you from the viruses, bacteria, and parasites that cause sexually transmitted diseases.
- Using Body Fluids as Lubricant: If saliva or vaginal fluid is used as a lubricant, the transmission of certain infections is more likely.
What if you’re the one getting the handjob?
Can you get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from a hand job? The answer is yes, but the risk is extremely low.
In very rare cases, human papillomavirus (HPV) can be transmitted to your genitals from your partner’s hands. This usually happens when genital secretions such as semen or vaginal secretions are present on the hands before they touch you.
In extremely rare cases, blood-borne infections such as HIV or hepatitis B can be transmitted if your partner has one of these diseases and an open cut on their hand.
How to Avoid Getting an STD During a Handjob
All sexually active people who are not in a committed monogamous relationship should practice safe sex. This includes the use of condoms and other forms of barrier contraception. If you are unsure about any type of sexual activity, consider alternatives such as: Outside course.
If you want to give or receive a hand job, make sure you and your partner wash your hands thoroughly before and after the act. This will help you maintain good sexual hygiene.
If you or your sexual partner want to touch each other after a handjob, use the other hand for extra safety.
When giving a handjob, you should ask your partner to put on a condom beforehand. This ensures that you do not come into contact with infected body fluids.
How about fingering?
Fingering is a completely different matter. The short answer is: Yes, you can get a sexually transmitted disease from fingering. However, the risks are slightly different than those of handjobs. Read our dedicated Blog on the topic for further information.
Final thoughts
All sexual activity comes with risks. If you are sexually active, it is important Get tested regularly to avoid the worst effects of undetected sexually transmitted diseases.
Call the number at the top of this page to schedule an STI test at a sexual health clinic near you. You can also speak to our team of knowledgeable sexual health advisors who can talk to you about any worrying incidents or symptoms you may be experiencing.
Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.
This article first appeared on 02/23/2024. Last updated November 21, 2025.
