Oral sex and fingering risk for women

[questioninggirl]

I was a virgin until just recently when a guy did oral sex on me. He also "fingered" me. What am I at risk for? His genitals touched mine but did not penetrate.

[Victoria]

Hello,

There is very little STD risk from hands. You can imagine scenarios in which transmission might be possible through hand to genital contact, but none of them are likely or common. Hygiene is important here, to be sure, so wash, wash, wash hands well before moving from genital to the anus, or vice-versa.

Oral sex is a risk for most STDs, primarily for the one who's performing. You aren't likely to contract HIV, gonorrhea, or chlamydia by receiving oral sex. For HIV, there would likely have to be copious amounts of blood present. Herpes could be an issue if the partner giving the oral has a cold sore present in the oral/facial area. Syphilis could be a risk if a related sore is present around the facial area, too.

The risk of genital to genital (or anal) contact without penetration would mainly be with those infections transmitted via skin contact, rather than fluid exchange. For example, herpes and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Chlamdyia and gonorrhea potentially, depending on how much grinding and fluid was present.

Does this help at all?

Victoria

[getSTDtested Administrator]

Wow, great response, Victoria!! Thanks for looking out for all your fellow forum members!! There's not much else I could even add to this advice, you seem to have it covered! Just always remember that in any sexual situation, you need to protect yourself physically and emotionally. Make sure that you're never doing anything you feel uncomfortable with and if there's any doubt in your mind regarding your physical well-being, it's always best to play it safe. Anyone who's worth your time will be willing to wait for you and make sure that you're ready and any questions or concerns have been addressed.