Fisting

There is a theoretical risk of HIV transmission from fisting, if the fister has broken skin (cuts or sores) on his hand or wrist, as HIV infected blood could be absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the anus. However, there has only been one reported case of infection occurring this way, so the likelihood is very low.

If more than one person is being fisted it is possible that HIV could be passed from one fistee to another, via anal mucus or blood on the fist. It is very easy to damage the lining of the anus when fisting so if fisting is followed by anal sex without a condom then transmission of HIV to either partner is more likely.

Hepatitis A, which is more infectious than HIV, can be transmitted to either the fister or the fistee and fisting has been identified as a possible route of hepatitis C infection for HIV positive men. It is also possible to acquire a variety of gut infections, even a recently washed anus may carry some extremely infectious, microscopic organisms. Using gloves, such as surgical gloves, can cut the risk of most infections.