What Are The Chances Of STDs Transmission Through Contact With Exposed Skin?

Posted on Thu, 4 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 4 Dec 2014 Answered on

Mon, 29 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,

I am a sexually active 48 year old married male. I am sexually active outside of the marriage and am concerned about bringing something home. I use condoms but am concerned about the potential risk of contracting herpes or hpv from contact with exposed skin.

To alleviate this concern in addition to condoms I use a type of barrier protection that is best described as latex underwear. It has more recently been marketed as Scroguard. https://scroguard.com/.

My partner (female) does not like when I wear this and we have discussed the idea of getting tested so that we can eliminate this additional garment from our activities.

I have a few questions:

1. Is the risk of herpes and/or hsv sufficient to justify this additional level of barrier protection ?

2. What specific tests would it be appropriate for us to get ?

3. I received a series of Gardasil injections several years ago. Is this likely to have conferred a meaningful level of immunity ?

Thank you very much,
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Latex wear does not fully prevent transmission

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query.I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.
The latex underwear does not totally prevent HPV or HSV infection transmission. There are many areas of skin to skin contact which can transmit either of viruses.
Hsv can be detected by testing for antibodies in both, for hsv1&2 IGM and IGG antibodies.
HPV can be detected in females by pap smear and HPV DNA testing by taking cervical smears or biopsy.
Usually HPV is not a screening test in males unless High risk individual.If any doubtful lesions are present HPV DNA test is done.
Gardasil does has protection against 4 high risk hpv types 6 11 16 18 but not against all types.
You can get back for any clarification
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist and venereologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar