Contracting STD without sex

Health classes usually do a good job of warning students about the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases. And while one may not remember every single detail, it is so important that you know how to protect yourself. Considering that STDs are, by definition, sexually transmitted, it is no surprise that unprotected sexual intercourse is the most common way to contract an STD. But the fact it is still possible to contract an STD even if you have never had sex or not sexually active.

Here are other ways to contract STDs might be contracted.

Kissing

The danger of getting an STD might not be the first thought that runs through your head when you think about making out with your partner, but it is possible to get an STD just from kissing. When someone has type I herpes, also known as oral herpes, they carry it for life. So even though the disease may not be visibly, the danger of infection still exists. However, the possibility of transmitting the disease is much lower if there is not an outbreak of sores. Another difficulty with type I herpes is that many people carry the disease without even knowing it.

Even though infection is sometimes possible without visible symptoms, the best way to protect yourself from getting infected by someone who has type I herpes is to know how to recognise it.

A sore on someone’s lip that is made of small clusters of fluid-filled blisters is an indication of herpes, says Annabeth Elliott, the STD Programme Coordinator at the Idaho Department of Health. She says that even if the cluster is red, crusted or scabbed over and peeling, this is still a sign of the disease.

The biggest danger of becoming infected comes when there is a break in the skin that comes in contact with sores. If you have chapped lips or other breaks in the skin and you come in contact with infected secretions, it is more likely that you will get infected than if your skin is completely intact. So if you are tempted to plant a kiss on someone with these signs, think twice before you do.

Oral Sex

Although some people might not consider oral sex to actually be “sex” because it does not involve vaginal penetration, it can still lead to the spread of STDs. Oral sex should still be considered as sex, despite some misconceptions that many have, and it can lead to transmission of herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other diseases. An STD can be spread during oral sex by contact with infected secretions and surfaces on the body.  Although condoms can reduce the spread of diseases, they cannot always be sure to completely prevent infection. But it is always safer to use condoms during penile-oral sex or dental dams for oral-vaginal sex.

“Avoiding sex when you have any breaks in the skin or other involved bodily tissue which may come in contact with another person can be protective as well.”

Additional report: HealthPlus.

To be continued

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