From the Guidelines
Digital sexual assault can lead to infections if there is an exchange of bodily fluids or if the perpetrator's hands or fingers have infectious agents on them that are transferred during the assault. The risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from digital contact alone is generally low compared to penetrative sexual acts, as noted in the guidelines for the care of adolescents after an acute sexual assault 1. However, if the perpetrator has open cuts or sores on their hands, or if their fingers have been in contact with infectious bodily fluids before the assault, there is a potential risk of transmitting infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or in rare cases, certain STIs. Key factors that increase the risk of HIV transmission include the presence of bleeding, which often accompanies trauma, the site of exposure to ejaculate, viral load in ejaculate, and the presence of an STD or genital lesions in the assailant or survivor, as outlined in the sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015 1. If you've experienced digital sexual assault and are concerned about infections, it's advisable to seek medical attention within 72 hours, where a healthcare provider may recommend preventive antibiotics or antifungal medications depending on the specific circumstances and risk assessment, such as empirical treatment of Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis 1. They can also provide appropriate testing for infections, including nucleic acid–amplification tests (NAATs) that use urine or vaginal specimens for gonorrhea and Chlamydia, and offer psychological support, which is equally important following any form of sexual assault. In cases where HIV exposure is a concern, postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be initiated as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of the assault, and the survivor should be informed about the possible benefit of nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP) in preventing HIV infection 1.
From the Research
Digital Sexual Assault and Infections
- Digital sexual assault is a form of sexual violence that can occur through digital mediums, and it can have serious consequences, including the risk of infections 2.
- However, the provided studies do not directly address the topic of digital sexual assault leading to infections.
Sexual Assault and Infections
- Sexual assault can lead to infections, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and Chlamydia trachomatis 3.
- The risk of acquiring other STDs, including viral agents such as herpes simplex viruses, hepatitis B virus, and human immunodeficiency virus, cannot be quantified, but it is a concern 3.
- Studies have shown that sexual assault survivors are at a high risk of STDs, with reported rates of gonorrhea and syphilis in adult victims ranging from 6% to 12% and from 0% to 3%, respectively 3.
- Low STI screening and presumptive treatment rates, as well as high STI positivity rates, have been identified among female sexual assault survivors in emergency department settings 4.
HIV Transmission Risk
- Sexual assault may increase HIV transmission risk through various mechanisms, including infliction of anal, oral, and genital injuries, concurrent sexually transmitted infections, and whether the perpetrator was circumcised 5.
Digital Health and STI/HIV Services
- Digital health has been used for STI/HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, and it has been shown to be a powerful and versatile tool in the production of high-quality, innovative strategies on STIs and HIV services 6.