Can STD Be Contracted Through Massage And Contact With Contaminated Towel And Bed Cover?

Posted on Thu, 21 Feb 2019

Question: Dear Doctor,. I went to a poor massage parlour for a body massage 3 days back. Below is the sequence of events.... 1. Was given a not so clean towel to wear after undressing 2. Once I laid down on my front on a plastic sheet covered bed, the massauese, removed the towel, and would have massaged for like a minute with her hands.. I just touched her legs, buttocks and back with my bare hands...I ejaculated immediately.. felt ashamed and asked her to stop... 3. Cleaned myself without the towel touching my penis.. immediately took a shower with just water, user another towel and walked away.. came home and took a shower again... There was only superficial touch but scared if it ll get any STD (hepatitis B, HPV or Herpes) due to my penis touching the unclean plastic sheet or towel... Also am having constant itching mild itching all over body more so under scrotum and neck...there is an urge to urinate and mild pain in urination... Would I have contracted any STD? What steps I need to take now.....

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Agarwal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Don't worry.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Although trichomoniasis spreads through sex, it can spread through moist or damp objects too. Germs that cause STD hide in semen, blood, vaginal secretions and sometimes saliva. Moist towels can have have bacteria, fungus rather.

As you have itching, most likely it can be fungal. You need not worry. Contact your dermatologist for the itching and urinary tract infection.

For now, have plenty of fluids, wear clean, dry, cotton clothes. Change your underwear if it gets wet at anytime. Get vaccinated for Hepatitis-B.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Thank you.

Regards,
Dr. Sheetal Agarwal
OBGYN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Sheetal Agarwal (20 hours later)

Thank u for it response Doctor... Since u said I can get trichomoniasis from contaminated surfaces, do I have to take some screening or antibiotics.. read few reports saying I can get hpv, herpes from contaminated surfaces... Hope no risk there even after my foreskin touching the unclean plastic bedsheet and towel... Also am 30.. can I get a vaccine now? Kindly advise ...

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Agarwal (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Don't worry.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Trichomoniasis is mostly through sexual contact, rarely through damp objects. As I mentioned, most likely it is fungal.

Don't worry. You can consult your dermatologist for anti-fungal treatment, if needed. HPV vaccine is recommended for men who have sex with men and 26 years or younger with HIV; HPV under trial. You can take Hepatitis-B from your physician.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Sheetal Agarwal
OBGYN

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng