Can I get any STDs from giving a handjob?

Yes, syphilis is the first infection that pops up in my mind. It is a bacterial STD spread by direct skin contact. A person may get the infection on his/her hand if his/her partner has the infection on the genitals.

I really don't want to post a direct link to the photos because they are disturbing to many viewers, but if you absolutely must see what syphilis on the hand looks like, Google Image Search for "syphilis finger." VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. WHAT HAS BEEN SEEN CANNOT BE UNSEEN. The pictures are not age-restricted, but they can be the stuff of nightmares if you're not accustomed to seeing gory medical stuff. If you did look at the pictures, let me also add: Syphilis ulcers (called a chancre, pronounced "SHAN-ker") are painless and oten, people don't feel them. And fortunately for us, syphilis has a cure (a special penicillin injection in the rump).

That's just one really great example of a STD you can get on your hands. In general, health advocates always stress the importance of good hygiene, especially washing your hands. Think of all the stuff your hands touch every day. Your hands are covered in germs! Can you imagine all those germs getting onto your genitals? Lately, there's been a lot of talk about MRSA, the "superbug" (I hate that name, sorry!). MRSA is a drug-resistant bacteria that lives on skin. If one of you had it, it could be transferred during manual sex (hand jobs). MRSA is really hard to cure, and it causes large boils to erupt on the skin. If you're still feeling bold after the syphilis pictures, you can Google Image Search for "MRSA." In severe cases, MRSA can even kill people. And yes, MRSA can simply be spread by friction contact with sores or contaminated surfaces.

So is there a way to protect yourself and your partner during manual sex? Absolutely! A latex glove and some water-based lubricant will do just fine. Otherwise, he can wear a condom during, and cleanup will be a cinch! Always keep your nails trimmed and wash your hands often with hot, soapy water.

For more information (without pictures that may make you lose your lunch) check out:

• Safe, Sound & Sexy: A Safer Sex How-To
• The STI Files: Syphilis