HERPES

Is it Possible to Catch Herpes from a Hand Job?

Dear Dr. Tom:

I am worried because I recently noticed a blister or boil on the shaft of my penis. It’s rather embarrassing to say, but I didn’t have oral or regular sex with anyone in the past few months. I did have, however, what some call a "hand job" from a promiscuous female. I, in turn, placed my fingers into her genitalia. I washed up right afterwards, but I think I must have gotten something from her, because what else could have caused this boil. And the sad thing is, I was avoiding sexual contact because I am pretty paranoid about STD’s, but I didn’t exercise enough will power that evening. Is it possible to catch herpes in this fashion? It seems possible. Thanks for whatever advice you can give.
Todd

---

Dr. Tom’s Response:

Dear Todd:

A blister or boil on your penis is possible without it being herpetic. The possibilities are: Hands of the promiscuous female could have transmitted the herpes virus to your penis if she were herpes infected and if her hands were contaminated with her own virus. Similarly, your fingers inserted into her genitalia could have become contaminated with the virus from her vaginal fluids, and thereby, you somehow transmitted it to your own penis. Best immediate advice is to determine with certainty that the blister or boil is herpes. It could be a localized infection from friction rub.

---