It's a common misconception that you can't get a sexually transmitted disease (STD) without having sex. While it's true that most STDs are spread through sexual contact, there are other ways to contract an infection. In this article, we'll explore some of the most common ways people get STDs without having sex, as well as how to protect yourself and your partner from transmission. A couple can't create an STD out of the blue, they have to get it from one person to another. But just because someone hasn't had any genital contact with another person doesn't necessarily mean they don't have an STD.
So, yes, it's possible to get or transmit an STI without having penetrative sex. The best way to protect yourself and your partner from transmission is for everyone to know their current STI status. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are usually acquired through sexual contact. The bacteria, viruses, or parasites that cause sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted from person to person through blood, semen, or vaginal fluids and other body fluids. Of course, this is a form of sex and therefore you still have a high risk of contracting an infection.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are among the STIs most commonly transmitted through oral sex to the throat. Syphilis and genital herpes can also be transmitted through contact with a blister or sore in the genital area. Using a condom during oral sex can help prevent STIs, but it will never provide complete protection. In the UK, blood used in transfusions is tested beforehand. However, if you received a blood transfusion before 1991 in the UK or at any time outside the UK, you may be at risk of contracting blood-borne infections, such as HIV and hepatitis. Hepatitis A can be transmitted through contaminated food or water and then transmitted to others through anal sex (contact with infected feces).
This is more common in developing countries with poor sanitation. If you give oral sex to a person who is menstruating and you come into contact with their blood, experts from the CDC point out that it is also possible to get a blood-borne STD, such as HIV, if you have cuts in your mouth. According to the CDC, you're less likely to get an STD if you thoroughly clean the sexual fluids from a sex toy between uses. If you don't have symptoms, continue to practice safe sex (regardless of what that means for your situation) and talk to your partners about their STD status and screening history. If you're concerned that you may have been in contact with an STD, consider these incubation periods so you can monitor your own health and get tested, as needed. While sexual intercourse is a common way to get an STD, there are other ways people can contract an infection without having sex.
Things like kissing a loved one or family member, sharing contaminated food or drinks, borrowing dirty towels, and more can transmit sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, herpes and hepatitis. According to the CDC, eating contaminated food can cause you to contract an STD if you have a blood exchange (that is, like the skin-to-skin contact mentioned above, indirect contact is a less likely but still possible way to get an STD without having sex). It's quite possible to have sexually transmitted diseases without symptoms, so it's unrealistic and irresponsible to tell teens that they may realize they're exposed to anything. That's why we've put together a list of some of the most common ways people get sexually transmitted diseases without having sex. It's even more important when you consider that condoms don't protect against all STDs and that there are STDs without symptoms, some of which can cause serious harm if left untreated. One of the most unexpected places to get an STD without having sex may be at your local tanning salon.
When you're looking for answers to your health questions, it's helpful to have all the information in one place so you can be proactive about your health and keep up to date with routine screening tests as needed. If someone goes to the bathroom, doesn't wash their hands and starts preparing your food or making you a drink, you could end up contracting a foodborne sexually transmitted disease which you can then transmit sexually.
