Can you get HIV from fingering someone?

Dear Been to John Jay and Reader 2, 

People can pass HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) to others through sexual contact. Fortunately, when it comes to transmission through acts like fingering—whether vaginally or anally—the risk is relatively low. There are many factors that influence whether HIV is passed from one partner to another and equally as many ways to protect yourself from contracting the virus and testing for it. Read on to learn more! 

How is HIV transmitted? 

HIV is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal and rectal fluids, and breast milk. If a person has a detectable amount of the virus in their blood stream (called a viral load), it’s possible for them to pass it onto a partner. While saliva, tears, and sweat are all bodily fluids, HIV isn’t transmitted through them. 

Because of the fluids involved in HIV transmission, it most commonly occurs through anal and vaginal sex. That said, pregnancy (passing from mother to child) and sharing of needles are also ways that HIV can be passed from one person to another. Activities such as oral sex, kissing, and touching have minimal to no risk of transmitting HIV.  

Can you get HIV from fingering someone? 

Fingering is when you use your fingers to stimulate another person's genitals or anus. It’s possible to get HIV from fingering, but it’s rare. While vaginal and rectal fluids can carry high amounts of the virus, they can only be passed onto the “giving” partner if they have an open wound. The more healed and sealed a cut on the finger, the less risk there is of HIV entering the bloodstream.  

If blood is present in the vagina or rectum (via menstrual blood or small tears), it’s more likely that the virus can be passed to another through an open wound, as blood can be one of the most infectious bodily fluids.  

Are there ways to reduce friction and avoid unintentional bleeding when fingering? 

If you and a sexual partner are going to get handsy, there are a few ways to decrease the risk of injury or infection: 

• Trim your nails and wash your hands thoroughly to get rid of bacteria and reduce the risk of cuts to sensitive areas, like the anus or vaginal canal.  
• Use lube to reduce friction.  
• Put on a barrier like latex or non-latex gloves or finger condoms to reduce the possibility of any exposed cuts coming into contact with potentially infected fluids.  

Keeping safety tips like these in mind can make for a smoother and more pleasurable experience and protect everyone involved from injuries or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV.  

How can you protect yourself from HIV? 

You and your sexual partner(s) may consider taking a number of steps to reduce your risk of getting HIV. Some of these approaches include: 

• Using a barrier, such as a condom for penetrative vaginal or anal sex, gloves for fingering, a dental dam for oral sex, etc. These help minimize the possibility of coming into contact with the virus in the first place.  
• Considering different HIV-specific medications for long-term protection. PrEP proactively prevents viral infection, and PEP can be taken as a response if you think you might have been exposed.  
• Getting tested regularly can also help you to stay on top of your current HIV and STI status. This can be done through a health care provider or in some cases, tests can be ordered online or purchased in a local pharmacy. While these tests can help curb anxiety about visiting with a health care provider, it’s important to note that if done incorrectly they won’t produce accurate results. If cost is a concern, consider checking into providers in your area that may offer testing for free or at a reduced cost. 

Two thumbs up for being sexual-health savvy!