When most people think about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), they often assume that sexual intercourse is a prerequisite for transmission — that’s what the name implies, right? However, it's entirely possible to contract certain STDs without engaging in penetrative sex, or any type of sex, for that matter. 

Understanding how STDs can spread is crucial for protecting your sexual health and overall well-being. Let's dive into how this can happen and what you can do to stay safe.

Can you get an STD without having sex?

The most common way to transmit an STD is through unprotected sexual intercourse (including vaginal and anal sex) with an infected person. However, some STDs can be transmitted through bodily fluids during other types of sexual activity, including:

  • Oral sex: It’s still a form of sex but many people mistakenly assume that “sex” must always involve penetration, when this isn’t the case. Oral sex still carries a risk of spreading STDs.
  • Skin-to-skin contact: Some STDs can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact. For instance, genital herpes can be spread through contact with herpes sores, infected skin, or even when no symptoms are present. Genital warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), can also be transmitted through skin-on-skin contact, including areas not covered by a condom or dental dam.
  • Sharing sex toys: If unwashed sex toys are shared between partners without protection, they can transfer bodily fluids such as vaginal secretions, blood, or semen, which can carry pathogens responsible for STDs. Infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis can be transmitted this way. To reduce the risk, it is crucial to clean sex toys thoroughly with soap and water or an appropriate disinfectant after each use. Using condoms on sex toys and changing them between partners can also significantly decrease the risk of STD transmission.

Some sexually transmitted infections can also be transmitted without having sex — confusing, we know. For example, during childbirth or breastfeeding, some STIs can be passed from an infected mother to her baby.

Additionally, sharing contaminated needles or syringes, often associated with intravenous drug use, can spread HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B and C. It’s also important to ensure that medical equipment, such as needles used for injections or blood draws is properly sterilized to prevent the spread of infections.

Furthermore, unsterilized needles used in tattooing, body piercing, and even through a blood transfusion and organ transplant (although less common due to rigorous screening processes) can potentially transmit STDs if the donated blood or organs are contaminated.

Understanding these various transmission methods is crucial for maintaining sexual health and preventing the spread of STDs.

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Is it an STD or something else?

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms but haven't had sex in a while, there are two possible reasons. First, you might have contracted an STD from a previous sexual encounter, and it's remained dormant until now. STDs can lay low for months or even years without causing any noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do show up, they can include:

Second, it's possible that you don't actually have an STD. These symptoms can often overlap with other infections, and it's easy to assume you have an STD.

Yeast infections, for example, can cause abnormal discharge and vaginal itching. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can cause a fishy vaginal odor and unusual discharge. UTIs can cause a burning sensation when you pee and flu-like symptoms. 

Some chronic skin conditions, such as lichen planus and lichen sclerosus, can cause genital lesions that look like sores, which makes having sex really painful. You get the idea! It's hard to know whether you have an STD based on symptoms alone, so the best course of action is to get tested.

How to prevent STDs 

While there’s no good way to prevent STDs fully, there are several things you can do to reduce your likelihood of contracting — and spreading — them.

  • Use protection: While condoms are highly effective at reducing the risk of many STDs, they don’t cover all skin areas where infections like HPV and herpes can occur. Dental dams can be used for oral sex to provide additional protection.
  • Regular testing: Regular STD screenings can help catch infections early, especially since many STDs can be asymptomatic. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing complications and reducing the spread to others.
  • Get vaccinated: Vaccines are available for certain STDs, such as HPV and hepatitis B. Getting vaccinated can provide long-term protection against these infections.
  • Discuss STDs with your partner: Sometimes you might engage in certain sexual activities — like mutual masturbation or oral sex — because you think they’re “safer”, but can still contract an STD. Have an open and honest conversation with your sexual partners about your STD status and the last time you both got tested.
  • Be wary of needles: Don’t do intravenous drugs, and ensure that tattoos and piercings are done by professionals who follow proper sterilization practices.

FAQ

How do I have an STD if I never had sex?

You can get an STD without having penetrative sex. Some STDs, like herpes and HPV, can be passed through close sexual contact with an infected area. Also, it's good to remember that oral sex is still a form of sex and carries a risk of spreading STDs. And, while sexual contact is a common way for STDs to spread, it's not the only way. Infections like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C can also be spread through sharing needles or other equipment that comes into contact with infected blood, like during intravenous drug use or through unsterilized tattoo needles. 

Can you get an STD if both partners are clean?

Technically, no. But, even if both partners have tested negative for all STDs, it's still possible to have undetected infections. This is because some STDs aren't always included in traditional routine screening. Traditional STD tests only test for common STDs gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV. Also, some infections may take a while to show up on a test after exposure. For instance, chlamydia and gonorrhea can take a couple of weeks to be detected.

Are STDs always from sex?

It's possible to contract an STD without having sex. For instance, STDs like genital herpes and HPV can be spread through skin-to-skin contact and sharing bodily fluids (for example, mutual masturbation). Others, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, can be transmitted through sharing needles that come into contact with infected blood. Additionally, certain STDs can be passed from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. Even contaminated medical equipment, tattoo needles, or personal items like razors can be potential sources of infection.