Another Inq

[Aab123]

Hi dr's-

Quick question. I was at the urinal and while I was urinating I got hit
W a big splash from the water on my penis. Now the urinal had urine from previous users. My question is can I get HIV or any type of Hepatitis or any STD for that matter if that urinal had blood from an infected person and the backsplash touched my penis hole or if it touched an open wound?  And can I get infected w any STD such as HIV and any form of Hepatitis from the urine either? I read so many things on the internet but want to ask the experts here in this forum to be sure.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

"STD are only gotten from sex correct?? Hence the name sexual transmitted disease.  So that means hep B C and HIV and herpes can not be gotten from masturbation or towels or toilet seats etc??"

Exactly right.

Now do your best to move on. There will be no responses to further comments or questions on this thread or to new questions.

[Aab123]

Hi doctor-

I do have an anxiety condition and do receive counseling and for the most part it is under control. However at some points in stressful times it creeps up. I equate it to someone trying to quit cigarettes. It's not easy and sometimes you cave. But I am working incredibly hard. For some reason stds r one of those things that still creates anxiety. If u can answer this question I think it will go a long way in helping dispel stupid crap on the internet. Now, STD are only gotten from sex correct?? Hence the name sexual transmitted disease.  So that means hep B C and HIV and herpes can not be gotten from masturbation or towels or toilet seats etc?? Hearing this from a seasoned expert would go a long way in being able to alleviating this fear. Thanks and I look forward to ur reply sir.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

No STDs ever are transmitted from events like this.  The only way to catch an STD in a public toilet is to have sex with someone else while there.  Anything you see otherwise, on the internet or anywhere else, is either an urban myth or a lie -- or by someone who simply doesn't understand the facts.

This is the second time you have asked a question with an obvious answer, about exposures that everyone knows are risk free.  MedHelp permits a maximum of 2 questions every 6 months on the professionally moderated forums (see Terms and Conditions).  The reason is to prevent domination of forums by anxiety-driven questions much like yours.  This has to be your last question before next October -- before then, a new question will be deleted without reply, and without refund of the posting fee.

Finally, your questions imply you are abnormally concerned about infections in everyday life.  Such concerns sometimes are an early sign of serious mental health problems.  If such concerns are interfering with your life and happiness, consider professional counseling.  I suggest it from compassion, not criticism.

Regards--  HHH, MD