HIV transmission risks from anal fingering

Dear Reader,

There's a possibility of HIV transmission any time there's sexual contact without a barrier, such as a condom or dental dam. Since HIV is transmitted through semen (cum and pre-cum), vaginal fluid, blood, and anal mucus, some sexual activities are considered riskier than others. Unlike the genitals, fingers don't have mucous membranes. Thus, there's no direct risk of contracting HIV from anal fingering unless you have open cuts or sores on your fingering hand. HIV risk from fingering is increased when anal or rectal bleeding occurs. The lining of the rectum is very thin and delicate. Since it doesn't self-lubricate like the vagina, it can bleed much more easily. Additionally, bleeding will further increase risk of HIV transmission through any anal, vaginal, or oral sex that follows. Without bleeding, however, the absence of self-lubricating fluid in the anus makes it less likely to contain HIV than the vaginal secretions and semen of those who do live with HIV.

Avoiding anal bleeding is good practice, not only because it can hurt, but also because it can reduce your HIV risk, especially if you have a cut on your finger or if you don’t know your partner’s status or sexual history. Here are some tips to consider in order to avoid bleeding from anal or rectal fingering:

• Thoroughly wash your hands and fingers with soap and water before and after activity.
• Clip and file fingernails very short.
• Wear latex or nitrile gloves. Also be sure to clip your nails and wash and dry your hands before donning the gloves.
• Use plenty of water-based lubricant to prevent friction and tearing of the tissue. Some lubes are designed especially for anal play.
• If you like to keep you finger nails long, wear latex gloves and use cotton balls at the tips.
• Scrapes on your hands aren't as concerning, but an open cut on your finger can definitely increase the chance of transmission of HIV or of some other STI. Consider waiting until it heals if there's any chance that either your partner(s) or you have HIV.
• Go slowly and start small. The anus and the rectum need to relax before you can properly enjoy anal play. Follow the lead of your partner and stop if it hurts.

While you can only get HIV from someone who's living with HIV and has a detectable viral load, consider whether your geographical location and sexual history puts you at greater risk of contracting HIV. If so, there are medications you can take to prevent HIV prior to contraction such as the antiretroviral drug, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). You can discuss these options and other concerns with a health care professional. Additionally, if you aren't already, consider using condoms or dental dams as they are the most effective way to prevent transmission of HIV and other STIs. While HIV doesn't survive very long outside the body, other STIs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can survive longer and pose a greater risk for transmission through fingering.

Being cautious doesn’t mean for you not to experiment. Anal fingering can be very pleasurable for anyone, but especially for a person with a penis because when stimulating certain spots, it can stimulate the prostate and result in an intense orgasm. However, be sure to remember that sexual play involving the anus includes risks of bacterial infection as well as STIs if fingers or toys aren’t washed properly before and afterwards, or if you don’t use a new condom before moving on to another body part. Being sure to wash toys and fingers and using new condoms can help ensure lower risk behavior while still having fun!

Bottoms up,