Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Any risk for Hepatitis C?

Hello Doctor,

I need your expert opinion on an encounter I had and whether I was at any risk for Hepatitis C.

I am a guy and a man inserted the full length of his fingers (3-4 fingers) inside my anus. He was wearing new gloves and fresh water based lubricant. He tried to do fisting of my anus also but I can't tell for sure whether the fisting happened or not. Gloves were still on while the fisting was carried out. No other sexual activity took place before or after the fisting of my anus.

Are there any risk for Hepatitis C based on the exposure I described above? Would the fisting with new gloves if it happened have increased the risks of contracting Hepatitis C as compared to fingering?

Do I need to be tested for Hepatitis C? When can I be tested post exposure to get a reliable result?

Thank you
Timothy.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
No, I have not come across cases being infected with Hepatitis B or C after fingering. Also, the risk is more theoretical than practical. The risk also depends on the Hepatitis B or C status of the person inserting his/her finger. Another risk factor is cuts and abrasions on fingers which may cause blood to leak. So, in general, fingering does not cause Heptitis B or C. Confirmed status in your case can only be determined by appropriate blood tests for these two conditions. Hope this helps.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Doctor Mathur,

Let's take the worst case scenario: In your years of experience, have you seen or heard of people getting infected with Hep B or Hep C while being fingered in the anus? Or is it a theoretical risk only which has not manifested itself in the practical world?

Thank You.

Timothy
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi Timothy!

I do understand your apprehensions. Since gloves and a water based lubricant were used there is negligible risk of the friend’s blood (if at all there was a cut on his finger etc) coming in contact with any abrasion or breach in your anal mucosa. So there is negligible risk of your contacting Hepatitis C or HIV or herpes or HPV or any other STD this way. More than a STD fisting carries the risk of injury to the anal mucosa/lining.

Normally you would not need any tests to rule out any infection as use of gloves has considerably reduced the risk of any blood contact. You may feel some itch or discomfort due to insertion of fingers and/or fisting and allergic reaction to latex of gloves or to the lubricant. However, this usually goes away in a day or two.

However, if you have itch, pain or discomfort, you could go for blood test for Hepatitis C and HIV and swab tests for fungal infection, herpes and HPV (highly unlikely but to be on safe side if there are symptoms).
The only risk is that of glove tearing. So, if the glove was intact after use, there should be no risk of contacting Hepatitis C or any other STD. Also, check with your friend regarding his STD status. If it is clear, then you are unlikely to contact any STD or Hepatitis C.

However, as a word of caution, please also discuss with your doctor. Take care!
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Digestive Disorders / Gastroenterology Forum

Popular Resources
Learn which OTC medications can help relieve your digestive troubles.
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
Discover common causes of and remedies for heartburn.
This common yet mysterious bowel condition plagues millions of Americans
Don't get burned again. Banish nighttime heartburn with these quick tips
Get answers to your top questions about this pervasive digestive problem