Genital Area

[GreenBalloonClub]

I feel like a school girl asking this question. It is a genuine question, as I am now worried?

If a man touched you with his hands in the groin area and he had say genital herpes or genital warts do you think it could be possible to catch either of these from him?

I am just thinking if he had been to the toilet and not washed his hands then touched you intimately would it possible?

I feel very embarrassed asking this question, but would like some advice.

I'm not a herpes/wart expert by a long shot but going from the rather vague OP I'm guessing you may suspect you have one of the above STDs?

The only way to find out for certain is to get yourself to a GUM clinic or your GP.

As far as I'm aware there needs to be some direct contact (as in from the infected area to another area)

Going to see health professionals really isn't that scary and is infinitely better than worrying forevermore!

There is apparently a tiny possibility.

"The virus that causes genital warts is called human papallomavirus (HPV). Some researchers at the University of Hawaii found that hands can transmit HPV to other areas of the body. So, if you were to touch the genitals of an infected person with your hands, and then touch your genitals or anus with your hands, it?s possible to catch the virus. "

"Herpes can sometimes be transferred elsewhere on the body, usually via touching a sore with a hand and then touching another susceptible area"

If you have symptoms - go to a clinic or to your gp.

Thank you both for taking the time to reply.

I have been to a clinic but they said that they can't test unless I have any signs (they have to do a swab of the area).

I am forever checking for any signs 'down below' although I am not sure what either look like! Don't want to google, so this is why I am looking for advice on here.

If you're symptom free, what's worrying you?

Herpes are tiny fluid filled blisters. It starts with a red patch and then they come out. Little blisters which then become little open sores and then crust over.

If you have them, I promise you would know about it because the first attack is total agony.

Genital warts are small fleshy bumps and they are not painful, but apparently they can itch. They can also grow together if you have a cluster.

I didn't mean that first sentence to sound dismissive. I was genuinely asking why you are worried.

It is possible but unlikely.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/Genital-herpes/Pages/Introduction.aspx

www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital_warts/Pages/Introduction.aspx

There you go, NHS links so you don't have to Google. They're pretty good and have lots of info on symptoms and treatment. Honestly though, don't worry about it. If you have caught one it's by no means the end of the world. I think something like 25% of the population have genital warts so you wouldn't be alone, and there is nothing to be ashamed of.

Thank you once again for further replies.

I have looked on those two links posted above.

This happened a year ago, but I am forever worrying, it never seems to be off my mind.

Also, I think if I do have anything I am scared of passing it on unintentionally by using the same hand towel as family members.

GreenBalloon if there was a very slight risk of you catching either herpes or warts a whole year ago and if you have had no symptoms at all in that time, then please stop worrying.

If you ever have any worries about your sexual health book yourself in at a Clinic-go have a chat,
pick up a few leaflets,
get some free contraception and take control of your health rather than worrying needlessly.