Can You Get an STD if Both Partners Have No STDs?

It’s a question that pops up often: can you get a sexually transmitted disease (STD) if both you and your partner are STD-free? The short answer is no, but there’s more to it.

Let’s dive into how sexually transmitted diseases are spread, the importance of prevention, STD testing, and treatment to ensure you and your sexual partners stay healthy.

How STDs are spread

A sexually transmitted disease — also referred to as sexually transmitted infection (STI) — is primarily spread through sexual contact, including: 

• vaginal sex 
• anal sex
• oral sex
• sharing sex toys
• skin-to-skin contact — in the case of some infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital herpes.

Viral STDs like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HPV, and genital herpes can also be spread by sharing needles (which is why you can contract HIV by doing intravenous drugs). You can't get an STD by kissing or via toilet seats.

Sexually transmitted diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites spread through body fluids — and they don’t just appear out of nowhere. For an STD to be passed on, one partner must already be infected. 

The tricky thing is that most STDs are asymptomatic infections, which means they don’t cause any obvious symptoms and many people might have one and not know. In many cases, STDs can also lie dormant for months or years, and some might not show up right away on an STD test (known as a latency or incubation period).

How to test for STDs

Even if you and your partner feel healthy, anyone who is sexually active should get tested for STDs at least once a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Yes, even if you’re in a monogamous relationship. 

If you have more than one sexual partner, it's a good idea to get tested more often, ideally every three to six months. Generally, it's recommended to get tested whenever you have sex with someone new.

Some STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning you can have an infection without showing any symptoms. Regular screenings can detect these “silent” infections, allowing for early treatment and preventing the spread to others.

Your healthcare provider can recommend the right tests based on your sexual history and risk factors. Common tests include urine tests, blood tests, and vaginal swabs. You can also take an at-home STD test for infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and syphilis, will require a blood test so can't be done at home.

How to prevent STDs

If you’re sexually active, there’s no real way to fully prevent STDs, but there are many steps you can take to dramatically reduce your risk of contracting one.

Here are some effective ways to protect yourselves:

1. Don't have unprotected sex: Condoms and dental dams are highly effective at reducing the risk of STD transmission. They act as a barrier, preventing the exchange of bodily fluids.
2. Get vaccinated: Vaccines are available for certain STDs, like HPV and hepatitis B. Getting vaccinated can significantly reduce your risk of contracting these infections.
3. Regular STD testing: Both partners should get tested regularly, especially if you’re in a new relationship or have multiple partners. Testing ensures that any STDs are caught early and treated promptly.
4. Limit number of sexual partners: The more partners you have, the higher your risk of encountering an STD. Limiting the number of sexual partners can reduce your exposure.

How to treat an STD

If you or your partner test positive for an STD, don’t panic. Most STDs are treatable, and some are even curable.

• Bacterial STDs: Infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. It’s crucial to complete the entire course of medication even if symptoms disappear.
• Viral STDs: Infections like herpes and HIV are manageable with antiviral medications. While they're not curable, proper treatment can control symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.
• Parasitic STDs: Infections like trichomoniasis can be treated with prescription anitbiotics.

It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and inform your sex partner(s) so they can also get tested and treated if necessary. Abstain from sexual activity (this includes oral, vaginal, or anal sex) until your treatment is complete and your healthcare provider gives you the all-clear.

STIs are nothing more than a nuisance when caught early, but they can cause long-term complications if left untreated. Many STIs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and scarring in the fallopian tubes, potentially causing infertility.

The bottom line

If both you and your partner have no STDs, the risk of contracting one is virtually zero. However, maintaining good sexual health requires vigilance and a good dose of “better safe than sorry”. Use protection, get vaccinated (if you’re eligible), and get tested regularly — even if you're in a monogamous relationship.

Remember, taking care of your sexual health is a team effort. Open communication, mutual respect, and responsible practices are the foundation of a healthy and happy sexual relationship. 

FAQ

Can you get an STD if your partner doesn’t have it?

Not really, no. If both partners tested negative for all STDs, then they cannot pass one on. However, some STDs are not included in traditional testing, so if your tests were not comprehensive enough, you may have an infection without realizing it. Traditional STD screening only tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV. Many STDs also take a while before they can be detected. For example, chlamydia and gonorrhea can only show up on a test a couple of weeks after exposure. It’s also worth mentioning that sex can trigger other issues, too. Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV) aren’t technically sexually transmitted infections, but sex is considered a risk factor. Practicing safe sex (using a condom and/or dental dam) is the best way to prevent both STDs and vaginal conditions.

How do I know if I have an STD? 

The only way to know for sure if you contracted an STD is by getting tested. STDs don’t always cause visible signs, but when they do, symptoms might include unusual discharge, a burning sensation when you pee, pelvic pain, bad vaginal odor, and genital sores or blisters.