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Can HIV be transmitted through a handjob if there is a cut?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a male and had sex with a man. He did handjob without oral sex. I am not sure whether he touched my penis tip with a cut in his fingers. I took a PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for six days last week with a difference of two hours.

Should I be concerned about HIV infection?

Please advise.

Hi,

Welcome to iCliniq.com.

The chances of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) transmission in a single unprotected handjob is nil unless there were bleeding wounds in hand.

Kind regards.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

We had sex in the dim light and I had a small cut on my penis. What is the chance of HIV transmission from the blood if he had a cut in his hands? How effective is PrEP if taken for a week?

Hi,

Welcome back to iCliniq.com.

The chances are nil because HIV is in nanometer size and needs blood to stay alive. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is 80 percent effective, but you do not need it. Do not be anxious and relax.

Regards.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

Can you explain in detail?

Hi,

Welcome back to iCliniq.com.

For heterosexual activity, PrEP is 80 percent effective after seven days of regular intake within hours. In your case, there may be direct contact of blood into your cut on the penis. PrEP has not proved to be effective in such conditions. Maybe the drug is likely to be present in the blood.

Regards.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At June 21, 2022
Reviewed AtJune 20, 2025

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