Can you get an STI from giving a hand job?

When talking about sexual health, it’s common to encounter your fair share of myths. There are lots of stories out there about all the different ways you can get a sexually transmitted infection. Some have merit while others aren’t worth paying attention to.

At Better2Know, we want to provide you with the best possible information about STIs so that you can make informed decisions about your sexual health.

One question that comes up often is whether it’s possible to get an STD from a hand job. Despite what you may think, the answer to this question is much more nuanced than you might expect.

No sexual activity comes without risk. It’s always better to know your sexual health status.

What is an STI?

First and foremost, 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 can manifest in various ways, from mild discomfort to severe health complications if left untreated.

Many STIs don’t present with any symptoms at all.

Can you get an STD from a hand job?

In general, the risk of getting an STI from a hand job is very low, but not impossible. Most STIs are transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Hand jobs involve manual stimulation of the genitals without genital penetration, which significantly reduces the risk of getting infected.

However, some sexually transmitted diseases can be passed on through skin to skin or genital to genital contact.

Human papilloma virus (HPV)

The Human papillomavirus (HPV) is often transmitted through simple skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s genitals. HPV can cause genital warts and, in women, cervical cancer.

Herpes Simplex Virus

Herpes can be transmitted by coming into contact with an infected person, usually through kissing or touching the infected person’s genitals during an outbreak. While infection is more likely during an outbreak, it’s still possible to contract Genital Herpes when the infected person is experiencing no symptoms. In rare cases, Herpes can be transmitted through cuts on the finger. This condition, known as Herpetic Whitlow, can cause swelling, pain, discoloured skin, and blisters in the fingers.

Syphilis

Syphilis can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person’s chancre, which usually appears at the initial site of infection, usually the genitals. This chancre can appear 10-90 days after the original infection.  

How likely am I to get an STI by giving a hand job?

While unlikely, it’s still possible to get certain infections by giving someone a hand job. Here are some factors that can make transmission more likely:

• Exposure to semen: Coming into contact with infected bodily fluids can increase your risk of getting an infection
• Open cuts or sores: If you have open cuts or sores on your hand, you are more likely to get infected since the skin cannot sufficiently protect you from the viruses, bacteria, and parasites that cause STIs.
• Use of bodily fluids as a lubricant: If saliva or vaginal secretions are used as a lubricant, the transmission of certain infections is more likely.

What if you’re the one getting the hand job?

Is it possible to contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from receiving a hand job? The answer is yes, but the risk is extremely low.

In very rare cases, human papillomavirus (HPV) can be passed from your partner’s hands to your genitals. This usually happens if genital secretions, such as semen or vaginal fluids, are present on their hands before they touch you.

In extremely rare circumstances, bloodborne infections such as HIV or Hepatitis B could be transmitted if your partner has one of these conditions and an open cut on their hand.

How to avoid getting an STD during a hand job

All sexually active individuals who aren’t in a committed monogamous relationship should practice safe sex. This includes using condoms and other forms of barrier method contraception. If you’re unsure about any kind of sexual activity, consider alternatives like outercourse.

If you’d like to give or receive a hand job, make sure both you and your partner wash your hands thoroughly before and after the act. Doing this will help you maintain good sexual hygiene.

If either you or your sexual partner wants to touch yourself after giving a hand job, use the other hand for extra safety.

If you’re giving a hand job, you may want to consider asking your partner to put on a condom beforehand. This will help ensure you don’t come in contact with any infected bodily fluids.

What about fingering?

Fingering is a whole different can of worms. The short answer is yes, you can get an STD from fingering. But the risks are slightly different from hand jobs. Read our dedicated blog on the subject for more information.

Final thoughts

Any sexual activity will come with risks. If you’re sexually active, it’s important to get tested regularly to avoid the worst effects of undetected STIs.

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 incidents of concern or symptoms you may have.

Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.

This article first appeared on 23/02/2024. Last updated 21/11/2025.

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