Continued from last week
Dry Sex
This is also described as body-to-body rubbing; it is important to know that dry sex can spread STD like herpes even though there is no penetration or bodily fluids involved. But the only way that herpes could be spread by dry humping is if there is skin-to-skin contact, which means that you are safe if clothes are kept on. But if there is skin-to-skin contact, Dr Weber says that infectious material from warts (HPV) and other viral or bacterial infection could be present. The risk of transmission depends on the amount of infection that someone has and the number and severity of breaks in the skin. He also warns about shaving “down there,” and how that can increase the risk of infection as well.
Shaving the hair in various areas of the body, including the genital area, has the potential to increase the transmission of infections because of the risk of even small breaks in the skin. Stubble from hair growing back can be very abrasive to the other person’s skin, and the blade used can itself pick up infectious material from one part of your skin and spread it to another.
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This is also described as body-to-body rubbing; it is important to know that dry sex can spread STD like herpes even though there is no penetration or bodily fluids involved. But the only way that herpes could be spread by dry humping is if there is skin-to-skin contact, which means that you are safe if clothes are kept on. But if there is skin-to-skin contact, Dr Weber says that infectious material from warts (HPV) and other viral or bacterial infection could be present. The risk of transmission depends on the amount of infection that someone has and the number and severity of breaks in the skin. He also warns about shaving “down there,” and how that can increase the risk of infection as well.
Indirect Contact
Even though a sexually transmitted disease or infection usually implies an infection that is transmitted through intimate contact, Dr Weber says that it is possible to get an STD through indirect ways. One example is sitting on a toilet seat. Dr Weber says that while transmission of an STD from sitting on a toilet seat is possible if there is infectious material on the seat that comes in contact with a break in the skin, it is unlikely. When in doubt, squat instead of sitting down on public toilets.
Another possible indirect way that STDs can be spread is through a damp or moist object, such as a towel, coming in contact with infected areas. Trichomoniasis, more commonly known as Trich, is a parasite that can live outside the body for up to 45 minutes. The way to prevent the possibility of spreading it is by not sharing damp or moist items like clothing or towels that has touched down below.
Dr Weber also points out that sharing needles, razors, or other cutting devices with someone who has an STD can also spread diseases because they are items that break skin contact and let the infections into the body, so avoid sharing these items at all cost to be safe.
How to avoid STDs
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself against STDs is simply to know whether your partner has been tested, if he has had other partners since the last time he was tested, and what his sexual relationships have been like in the past. And by limiting the number of sexual partners you have, you reduce the chances of coming into contact with someone with an STD.
“It is important for each person to think about the risks they are willing to take for intimacy and sex,” Dr Weber says.
Dr Weber suggests that you can minimise the potential of breaks in the skin by using lubricant to cut down on friction, which can also reduce direct skin-to-skin contact. By not combining intimacy with mind-altering substances, like alcohol and drugs, you can be in your best state of mind to use the best protection on a consistent basis. And make sure to always have protection available so that you’re not left scrambling or making rash decisions when things start to get hot and heavy.
While you shouldn’t let the fear of getting an STD keep you from touching anyone however, knowing how to protect yourself as best as possible will keep you safe.
Additional report: HealthPlus.
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