Can You Get an STD From a Handjob?

Whilst a handjob is considered one of the safer sexual activities, it still carries some risks to your sexual health. In this blog, our resident Medical Director, Dr Bani, shares insights into just how STDs can be spread, and which STDs in particular you can catch from jerking someone off. So, let’s jump in, can you catch an STD from a handjob?

Yes, although a low-risk activity, you can catch an STD through both receiving a handjob and giving a handjob, especially if there is semen or spit involved. If you touch infected bodily fluids (such as semen) during a handjob, and then touch your own genitals, you are at risk of STD transmission. Although less likely, you can also give an STD if the person receiving a handjob has any small tears or abrasions in their genital region. 

Read on to learn more about the risks of STDs associated with a handjob, which infections you could transmit, and how you can make the activity safer for both parties.

Can a Handjob Transmit STDs?

Whilst a handjob is considered a ‘safer’ activity compared to penetrative, oral, or anal sex, it still carries some small risks of STD transmission. However, the risk is generally lower for those receiving the handjob compared to those giving the handjob.

If You’re Receiving a Handjob

You’re only really likely to catch an STD from a handjob if the other person giving the handjob is using spit as lubrication. STDs like herpes and syphilis can be spread through saliva. So, if the other person is putting said infected saliva on your genitals, you could put yourself at risk of catching an STD.

In rare cases, human papillomavirus (also known as HPV or genital warts) can be transferred from someone’s skin to you if you have a small abrasion, cut, or tear in your genital region (which you may not even notice), even if there is no spit/saliva present. 

If You’re Giving a Handjob

Surprisingly, giving a handjob puts you at a higher risk of catching an STD than receiving one does. If you come into contact with infected bodily fluids, such as semen or secretions from a burst herpes blister, and touch your own genitals or mouth afterwards without washing your hands, you may catch an STD.

Though rare, if infected fluids (such as pre-ejaculate or semen) come into contact with a cut or sore on your hand, there is a possibility of transmission. This is more relevant for infections like HPV, though the risk is extremely low through this route.

Which STDs Can Be Caught From a Handjob?

Not all STDs can be transmitted by jerking someone off. STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or HIV require extensive fluid exchange, which usually happens during penetrative or oral sex. The following STDs, however, can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or saliva-to-skin contact:

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can spread through direct contact with a sore or lesion, even during non-penetrative activities like a handjob if the infected area is touched. You are more likely to catch syphilis if you have HIV.

Learn more about syphilis on our website.

Genital Herpes

Herpes is highly contagious through skin-to-skin contact, especially if there are visible sores or blisters. Even when sores aren’t visible on the genital region, the virus can sometimes be transmitted. Whilst it is an incurable condition, there is a medication that can reduce viral shedding and outbreaks.

Learn more about genital herpes on our website. 

Genital Warts (HPV)

HPV, particularly the types that cause genital warts, can spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area. If there are no bodily fluids involved when jerking someone off, or a barrier method of protection is used, you can almost completely minimise the risk of HPV transmission. 

How To Minimise the Risk Of STD During a Handjob

Whilst handjobs are generally considered a low-risk sexual activity, it’s still worth taking a few precautions to keep things safe and stress-free. Here’s how to minimise the risk of STDs while ensuring the experience is enjoyable for both of you:

• Wash your hands before and after: This one’s a no-brainer. Clean hands reduce the risk of transferring bacteria or viruses, keeping things hygienic and safe.
• Avoid touching your own genitals during the act: If you do switch between giving and receiving, make sure to alternate hands. This simple step can help prevent any potential transfer of fluids.
• Consider wearing a condom: Whilst it may not feel as nice, using a condom on your partner can provide an extra layer of protection. 
• Use lubricant: Adding a good-quality lubricant can make the experience smoother (literally) and reduce the risk of microtears in the skin. Opt for water-based or silicone-based lubes for maximum comfort – NOT saliva.
• Check for cuts or sores: Open cuts, scratches, or even irritated skin can increase the risk of infection for both you and your partner. If you spot anything, it’s best to wait until everything’s healed.
• Keep nails trimmed and clean: Sharp or long nails can cause accidental scratches, so a quick manicure before things heat up is always a good idea.
• Avoid direct contact with bodily fluids: Whilst it’s not always a risk, limiting exposure to fluids like semen or vaginal secretions can further reduce the chances of infection.

One of the best ways to protect both yourself and your partner is by getting tested regularly. Knowing your STD status gives you peace of mind and helps ensure your partner’s safety too. With Your Sexual Health, it couldn’t be easier – find a clinic near you or order a convenient home testing kit today.

Stay Safe With Your Sexual Health

In conclusion, you are at risk of some STDs like herpes, syphilis, or HPV during a handjob, but only under specific conditions (like contact with sores, warts, or open cuts). So, although rare, it’s important to get a sexual health test both before and after partaking in a handjob to stay on the safe side.

 Your Sexual Health provides a wide range of STD tests that can be done in a clinic or from the comfort of your own home. A comprehensive test will provide peace of mind as to whether you have been infected by an STD, allowing you to make better safer sex decisions.

Get in touch with our friendly team today for more information, or if you need advice on which test is right for you.