Can You Get Toxic Shock Syndrome From Being Fingered? The 103 Latest Answer

People have sexual encounters in many different ways. Sometimes they involve rubbing skin on skin. Sometimes they involve genital-to-genital or mouth-to-genital contact. At other times, people use their fingers and hands to stimulate their partner’s genitals. This is called fingering.

Fingering, also known as digital vaginal penetration, manual penetration, or vigorous caressing, can be a pleasurable sexual activity in itself. It can also be part of foreplay.

A lot of people assume that fingering is a very safe form of sex, and they’re mostly right. However, research suggests you can get certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from fingering. In this article, you will learn what the risks are and what you can do to avoid them.

Very good / Laura Porter

Risks of STIs from fingers

There is very little research on whether fingering is an actual risk factor for transmitting STIs. This is because few people limit themselves to just fingering during sex. (You may be more used to hearing the term sexually transmitted diseases, or “STDs.” However, referring to infections is a more general term that covers asymptomatic cases that also need attention.)

Research over the years has confirmed that STIs like syphilis can be found on the hands and under the fingernails of people with an STI. This suggests that a person can transmit certain STIs from their hands to a partner’s genitals. It’s a reasonable assumption considering that sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted through shared sex toys.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

One of the sexually transmitted diseases commonly associated with fingering is human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is very common and can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. In fact, most sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lives.

Several studies have confirmed that the virus can be found under the fingernails of people living with genital HPV. This suggests that humans can indeed transmit or acquire HPV through fingering. But how high is the actual risk?

Current research suggests it is relatively low. A 2019 McGill University study that focused solely on HPV risk from fingering recruited over 250 heterosexual couples who agreed to have their hands and genitals swabbed every few months. The HPV samples from the swabs were then genetically “typed,” allowing the researchers to determine the route of transmission from one partner to the next.

Based on the results, the researchers concluded that while the risk of contracting HPV through fingering was possible, it was “unlikely.” In the end, the amount of HPV on the fingers was only a fraction of what was found in the genitals and generally not enough to detect infection.

Other STIs

Other studies suggest it may be possible to transmit sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea through fingering. This infection is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and can occur with or without ejaculation.

Studies in men who have sex with men (MSM) suggest that gonorrhea can be transmitted through fingering the anus and rectum. Even so, the risk is more associated with group sex, especially when drugs and anonymous partners are involved. Gonorrhea infection is less common outside of group sex.

Likewise, the risk of transmitting HIV through fingers is considered low to unlikely.

The only STI that can potentially be transmitted by hand is herpes. That being said, you’re more likely to touch an open wound than unbroken skin. While the herpes virus can be “shed” from unbroken skin, the skin would have to come in direct contact with mucosal tissues of the mouth, anus, or genitals.

Recap Research suggests that HPV is unlikely to be passed through fingering. While it is possible to transmit gonorrhea from the fingers to the anus, this is not common in intimate partners. The only STI that can potentially be passed on is herpes when an open sore is touched.

Reducing the risk

People of all sexual orientations can engage in fingering. If you intend to practice vaginal or anal fingering, there are ways to make it safer. You can wear gloves or finger cots and change them as needed to avoid spreading bodily fluids.

You should also wash your hands when touching your own and your partner’s genitals. It also reduces the risk of self-inoculation, such as B. transferring herpes from one’s mouth to one’s genitals or vice versa.

If you have long nails, you can pad them with cotton before putting on gloves to provide support and prevent punctures. Or you might want to keep your nails trimmed and filed to prevent you from scratching your partner’s genitals.

Recap Make fingering safer by using gloves or finger cots. Make sure you change them when necessary and wash your hands when touching your genitals and those of your partner.

summary

It is possible to transmit certain STIs such as HPV, gonorrhea, and herpes through fingering. Despite this, most studies suggest that the risk is low to unlikely.

So the risk is not zero. To be safe, you can use gloves or finger cots and wash your hands before touching yourself and your partner.

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I’m 14 and still a virgin but my boyfriend fingers me and gives me oral sex. For the past few weeks my vagina has been itchy, red and painful to touch. I don’t feel comfortable talking to my mother about this. What should I do?

– Ellie*

Friction and pressure from fingers or oral sex can cause irritation in sensitive intimate areas. But itching and redness that lasts for a few weeks can also be a sign of an infection, which could get worse if left untreated. So you should get checked out by a doctor

nurse

.

Won’t you go into details with your mom? Just tell her you’re itchy and uncomfortable “down there” and would like to get checked out. Girls can get vaginal infections for all sorts of reasons unrelated to sexual contact, such as stress.

Even if you don’t have intercourse, finger play and oral sex can lead to infection. Ask your friend to wash their hands before touching your genitals. And if either of you has cold sores, don’t have oral sex. The virus that causes cold sores can be transmitted to the genitals and become genital herpes.

Because other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can also be transmitted through oral sex, use a rubber dam if a girl is receiving oral sex or a condom if a man is receiving oral sex to protect against infection.

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.

Share on Pinterest Adene Sanchez / Getty Images The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends changing your pad at least every 4 to 8 hours, but that’s just a very general range. How often you change your pad depends on your flow, the type of pad you use, and what feels most comfortable.

How do you know when it’s time for a new one? Oh, you’ll know Your pad should be changed before it gets full. You can monitor how full it gets during your visits to the toilet, or gauge it by feel. If your pad feels wet or uncomfortable, change it. The key is to change it often enough to avoid leaks or discomfort. Or smell. Yes, the period smell is real. It’s tight down where your vulva and pad live, and your anus is a close neighbor. Sweat and bacteria, which are usually present anyway, can lead to some pretty weird smells if left on long enough. Throw menstrual blood in the mix and it can get pretty *um* wet. While some odor – and bacteria – is perfectly normal, it’s best to keep things as clean and dry down there as possible. Not only does this help with odors, but it also reduces your risk of infection. That being said, some pads are thicker and designed to hold more blood than others, which can give you some wiggle room between changes. The instructions on the box are a good place to start if you are unsure.

How Many Pads Should You Use in a Day? Good question. However, there is no one right answer as there are a few factors to consider that can change the number needed. A very rough estimate would be four or five pads, assuming you get at least the recommended 7 hours of sleep at night. Keep these factors in mind that might make you want (or need) to use more: Exercise. Sweat can make things wetter and smellier down there. Also, the pads can shift and squeeze with more movement, and there’s a good chance you’ll end up with an uncomfortable pad wedgie after a Pilates or spinning class.

Sweat can make things wetter and smellier down there. Also, the pads can shift and squeeze with more movement, and there’s a good chance you’ll end up with an uncomfortable pad wedgie after a Pilates or spinning class. Hot weather . It’s not good to get too humid down there, and the hotter it is, the more humidity you can expect.

. It’s not good to get too humid down there, and the hotter it is, the more humidity you can expect. Your plans. Depending on what you have planned for the day, an extra pad change before you head out can be a good idea, even if your pad is still relatively dry. Imagine: Dates, an afternoon of meetings, or a long flight when you get up to change are far from ideal.

Depending on what you have planned for the day, an extra pad change before you head out can be a good idea, even if your pad is still relatively dry. Imagine: Dates, an afternoon of meetings, or a long flight when you get up to change are far from ideal. days with strong currents. The first or second day of a period is usually the heaviest, so you’ll likely need to change more frequently on those days. Ditto for all other heavy days (which can be any damn day for people with heavy periods).

And overnight? Unless you regularly sleep more than 12 hours or have an unusually heavy period (which you should definitely talk to your doctor about), a pad should do the trick. You can thank the invention of night pads for this sleep-saving convenience.

What kind of pad should you use? There’s pretty much a pad for every flow and situation. They are available in different widths, lengths and absorbency levels and with or without wings. Let’s take a closer look at the differences: Regular. This usually refers to a medium absorbency pad for currents that fall in the mid-range between light and strong.

This usually refers to a medium absorbency pad for currents that fall in the mid-range between light and strong. Max. Maxi pads are thicker. Many people prefer pads that are as thin as possible, but others prefer the security of a thicker pad. These usually take a medium or heavy flow.

Maxi pads are thicker. Many people prefer pads that are as thin as possible, but others prefer the security of a thicker pad. These usually take a medium or heavy flow. Great. As you can tell from the name, a super pad offers more absorbency. These are best for the first few days of your period or every day when you have heavy flow.

As you can tell from the name, a super pad offers more absorbency. These are best for the first few days of your period or every day when you have heavy flow. Thin/Ultra Thin . As you can imagine, a thin or ultra-thin pad is significantly thinner than other types. They’re thicker than a panty liner, but not by much. These are usually best for light days or the end of your period.

. As you can imagine, a thin or ultra-thin pad is significantly thinner than other types. They’re thicker than a panty liner, but not by much. These are usually best for light days or the end of your period. Slim. Here, too, the name says it all. These pads are narrower than other types, making them better suited to the narrower crotch of skimmy skivvies or those who wear a smaller dress size.

Here, too, the name says it all. These pads are narrower than other types, making them better suited to the narrower crotch of skimmy skivvies or those who wear a smaller dress size. Over night. These are the queen of pads. They’re usually longer and thinner than other styles, and some brands are wider at the back—all in the name of protecting your underwear and sheets from nighttime leaks. They also have wings, which are flaps of extra material that wrap around the sides of your briefs’ crotch for added leak protection. Brilliant, really. That covers the basics, but there are all sorts of variations on it, like scented and unscented, long and short, and with or without wings. Then you have products for fitness, teens and even pads in different sizes from extra small to extra large. For clarity, these are for different underwear sizes, not vulva sizes.

What Causes Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome is caused by toxins produced by bacteria. Only certain rare strains of specific bacteria produce these toxins. When the bacterial toxins are released into the bloodstream, they begin to overwhelm the immune system in the body. This in turn causes the severe symptoms of toxic shock syndrome.

In the most common form of toxic shock syndrome, the bacteria live in the vagina of infected women, and bacterial growth is encouraged by the presence of a tampon. However, these toxins can also be produced by bacteria elsewhere in the body. Sometimes the location of the infection is not clear.

As tempting as it may be to use a tampon for everyday vaginal discharge, it’s not a good idea. Even the lightest tampons are designed to absorb far more material than you absorb on a normal non-period day. You won’t be wet enough down there and the tampon won’t get full enough to get in or out comfortably. It’s not fun to take out a nearly dry tampon – ouch! It would also be tempting to leave the tampon in much longer than it should be since it doesn’t fill up quickly, but that could put you at risk for infections in your vagina or even more serious but rare things like toxic shock syndrome. Bottom line, panty liners are the better choice for everyday vaginal discharge and save the tampons for your period.

It is impossible for a tampon to get lost inside you. It stays in your vagina after you insert it.

The only other opening is through your cervix at the top of your vagina. But that’s too small for a tampon.

Tampons have a string at one end that usually stays outside of your body. You can remove the tampon at any time using the string.

It is possible for the cord to enter your body. This can happen if you already have a tampon in and insert another, or if you have sex with a tampon in.

But even with the string inside you, you can usually feel the tampon and pull it out.

If a tampon gets stuck in you and you can’t get it out, go to your GP’s office or nearest sex clinic. The medical staff can remove it for you.

If you are unable to reach your GP or a sexual health clinic, call NHS 111 for advice.

Tampon manufacturers advise that a tampon should not be left in for more than 8 hours.

Read what to do if you forget to remove a tampon.

Tampon users are the most affected, but anyone can get it

If you’re a certain age, you might remember the heavy press coverage of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) in the early 1980’s. This rare, serious condition, often associated with tampon use, is caused by bacteria that produce toxins. Those born in the 1990s or later may not have heard of it, but tampon boxes still contain warnings about TSS.

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Ob/Gyn Jean Reinhold, MD offers some things to know about TSS and steps to avoid it.

The chances of getting TSS are slim

The bacteria that cause TSS usually live on your body without causing any problems. But certain conditions can cause these bacteria to grow and produce toxins. Certain wounds, incisions, burns, and gynecological procedures can increase your risk.

The condition can affect men, women, or children, but is very rare. “I’ve only seen one case in my years of practice,” says Dr. Reinhold. However, she says awareness of TSS and how to prevent it is still important, especially for women.

“I see patients who didn’t know they left a tampon in or weren’t sure how long one could stay in,” she says. And forgetting to remove the last tampon during your period or taking too long between tampon changes can increase your risk of TSS, she says.

Talking about the risk of TSS is important as part of a larger discussion about healthy menstruation — especially for those who have just started their period, says Dr. Reinhold.

Tampon users are (even) more at risk

TSS is sometimes fatal, and the risk remains greater for women who use tampons (especially those with higher absorbency). About half of today’s TSS cases are menstrual.

Manufacturers have made significant changes to how tampons are manufactured and labeled since the 1980s, which has helped drive menstrual TSS reduction.

“One brand of superabsorbent tampons has been completely phased out,” says Dr. Reinhold. This came shortly after a June 1980 CDC report showed a link between tampons and TSS.

Equally important, during the 1980s, women became less likely to choose tampons with higher absorbency—from a peak of 42% of tampon use in 1980 to 1% in 1986. In addition to federal regulations and changes in the tampon industry, women have actively played their part also promote the reduction.

You Can Reduce Your Risk (And Still Use Tampons)

dr Reinhold says there are several ways women can reduce their risk of TSS.

Change both tampons and pads frequently during your period (at least every four to eight hours).

When using tampons, use the lowest absorbency possible for your bleeding. The bacteria that cause TSS are sometimes introduced into the bloodstream through tiny droplets of moisture in the vagina caused by removing tampons that are too dry.

Adjust the tampon size or switch to pads if your blood flow decreases.

Consider other options, including the menstrual cup. Some types of birth control can stop your period completely.

For those who don’t menstruate, the best prevention is to keep wounds and surgical incisions clean to avoid infection. Change packs and bandages regularly and see your doctor right away if you notice any unusual redness or swelling.

In addition to these steps, it’s important to know the signs of TSS. The condition can cause organ failure and is sometimes fatal if not treated quickly.

The symptoms usually appear suddenly. You may notice the following:

High fever (always a symptom of TSS).

Chills.

watery diarrhea

Rash that resembles a bad sunburn or red spots on the skin.

Low blood pressure.

eye redness

Exfoliation of the skin on the soles of the feet or palms.

If you suspect you have TSS, seek help immediately. Talk to your doctor or gynecologist if you have questions about TSS or any other aspect of menstruation.

Yes it can! If you forget to take out an old tampon and it slides up into the vagina, you can conveniently insert another tampon into the lower part of the vagina. If this happens, don’t panic. First remove the inserted tampon. Next, insert your index finger into the vagina to see if you can feel the other tampon or its string and try to remove it. If this is causing you pain or you can’t seem to locate it, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. When you get to this step, don’t worry, I’ve removed more than a few tampons around my office – that happens sometimes!

Ah, friends. They’re like family, but cooler. Fully customizable. traps and one of them will be right there to pick you up again. But as great as friends can be, they also do a lot of really stupid things. things that blow your mind. Sometimes it seems crazy that you even hang out with people who make such shitty decisions. Things that, if they came out, would be humiliating for anyone with even a shred of self-respect. Lucky for your friends, they made you ask them their deepest, darkest questions. And luckily for you, we started this column to answer the most embarrassing question of all.

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The Scenario: Your friend comes home after a long day of doing everything your friend does – handling raw meat, working in the coal mines, or handling children. Friend sees Bae sitting on the couch and is immediately overcome with passion. As in the awkward elevator scene from the 50 Shades of Gray sequel, your boyfriend decides to please Bae with just his fingers. In the throes of passion, your boyfriend has forgotten how disgusting his/her hands are. Maybe your friend lives in New York City and, thanks to a mixture of selfishness and carelessness, subway germs are now proliferating in Bae’s vagina. Good job friend.

The problem: Look, we’re not here to judge, but it’s no secret that hands are dead dirty. Researchers from the University of Colorado conducted a study to examine the amount of bacteria on human hands. After wiping the palms of 51 healthy volunteer participants, they discovered that the average hand contains 4,752 unique bacteria, drawn from over 150 different species. When we see data like this, it’s obvious why we’re taught that hand washing can significantly reduce disease transmission (because it does).

Your germ-fingered friend is in good company: About 17 percent of people don’t wash their hands after using public toilets. Even more people wash themselves wrong: It’s recommended that washing hands should take between 20 and 30 seconds (the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday), but the average person only spends about 11 seconds on the task. Vanessa Cullins, OB/GYN and vice president of external medical affairs at Planned Parenthood, said in a recent article in Women’s Health magazine, “When you think about the commonalities of fingering, it’s remarkable that we don’t have more infections and problems with women’s vaginas [ caused by].”

Worst That Can Happen: It really depends on where your hands were before you were inside your partner. Ronald D. Blatt, gynecologist and medical director of the Manhattan Center for Gynecology and the Manhattan Center for Vaginal Surgery, says that while everyday germs aren’t a cause for concern, working in the dirt and soil without washing your hands could theoretically lead to transmission fungal infection. Blatt adds, “If your nails are a little long, you could tear the vaginal lining that lines the vagina and [your partner] could get an infection that way. [Your partner] could get a bacterial infection called staph could theoretically get an ‘anaerobic infection’ [where naturally occurring bacteria grow uncontrollably in the vagina as a result of a disturbance in the vaginal environment].

Staph infections include symptoms such as chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and death if left untreated. Colleen Krajewski, an ob-gyn and professor at the University of Pittsburgh, carefully notes that there is no evidence-based answer to what might happen to Bae if a friend fondles her with dirty hands, but she warns that your ” Friend” is participating in a threesome and moving hands between partners, “there is a theoretical risk of transmitting STIs…if [one of your partners] has a vaginal infection or an STI like herpes, HPV, or similar. [ Something like that] would be transferrable.”

What will likely happen: Probably nothing. The good news is that the vagina is self-cleaning. In addition to the good bacteria called lactobacilli, which help keep the vagina acidic enough to fight foreign substances, the vaginal canal has many blood vessels and produces mucus that protects against and washes away harmful microbes, explains an article in Environmental Health Perspectives. While the introduction of germs and microorganisms into a vagina can alter pH levels, a healthy vagina is uniquely prepared to seek out and destroy the foreign objects it encounters.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

What is a UTI? A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary system, including your bladder and urethra. Anyone can get UTIs, but they’re more common if you have a vulva.

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What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection in your urinary system, including the

Bladder – the organ that collects and stores urine

Urethra – the tube that carries urine from your bladder out of your body

There are two types of urinary tract infections: cystitis and urethritis. Cystitis is an infection of the bladder. Urethritis is an infection of the urethra. Left untreated, both can spread and cause kidney infection. Although UTIs are really common, you have to take them seriously.

What causes UTIs?

It’s pretty easy to get a UTI. Bacteria that live in the vagina, genitals, and anal areas can enter the urethra, travel to the bladder, and cause infection. This can happen during sexual activity, when bacteria enter your urethra from your partner’s genitals, anus, fingers, or sex toys. UTIs can also be caused by chlamydia, gonorrhea, or other organisms.

Although UTIs are not transmitted from one person to another like STDs, sex can lead to or worsen UTIs. But you don’t have to have sex to get a UTI. Anything that brings bacteria into contact with your urethra can cause a UTI.

You are more likely to get a UTI if you

had one before

have diabetes

are obese

use spermicides or a diaphragm

if you have kidney stones or other obstructions in your urinary tract

Most people are unable to pinpoint the exact cause of their UTI because so many things can lead to it.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

One of the most common symptoms of a UTI is a frequent and urgent need to pee. You might feel like you need to pee all the time, even if you’ve just left. Other UTI symptoms are:

Pain or burning when peeing

bad smelling or cloudy urine

blood or pus in the urine

Pain, pressure or cramps in the lower abdomen, back or sides

If the infection reaches your kidneys, your UTI symptoms may also include:

Middle back pain (to the right or left of the spine)

Fever

chills

nausea

Vomit

feel tired

If you have any of these symptoms, tell your doctor right away. Kidney infections are serious and need immediate treatment.

These symptoms are not always caused by a UTI. Other infections, such as sexually transmitted diseases or vaginitis, can cause painful or frequent urination. Only a doctor or nurse can tell for sure if you have a UTI.