We all know that the S in STD stands for sexually transmitted, but did you know that STIs can spread through other activities as well? Kissing, eating, sharing towels, and other non-sexual contact can cause STIs like chlamydia and herpes.
The bacteria that causes trichomoniasis loves damp fabrics and can live outside the body for an hour or more. This infection can be spread through genital or oral sex and can also be caught by sharing towels.
STIs can be transmitted through oral sex
It’s common for people to assume that STIs only spread through sexual contact, but there are actually many ways that you can get an STD without having sex. STIs can be transmitted through any skin-to-skin contact that involves bodily fluids, including oral sex, kissing, and eating contaminated food.
In addition to sexually transmitted diseases, there are also other health concerns that can be caused by contact with contaminated bodily fluids. These include:
The most common way to get an STI is by having unprotected vaginal or anal penetration. Using condoms is the best way to prevent this, but not all people use them properly. This increases the risk of getting a disease, especially if you have a latex allergy.
Oral sex can also transmit an STI, but it is less common. STIs that can be transmitted through this method include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Symptoms of these infections vary, but can include pain in the throat or genital area, irregular periods, and fever.
The first step in preventing an STI is to talk with your partner about safe sex practices and prevention methods. Make sure to always use a barrier, like a condom or dental dam, during oral sex. Moreover, you should also encourage your partner to get tested regularly. If they test positive for an STI, they should immediately begin treatment to avoid further infection or transmission.
You can get an STI from kissing
It is possible to get an STI from kissing, but it is very rare. Most STIs are spread through penetrative sex, such as vaginal, anal or oral sex. But you can still get herpes, genital warts, HIV and other infections from nonsexual contact.
Most STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. Bacteria-related STIs include herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis. Viruses include HPV, genital herpes and HIV. Parasites include trichomoniasis and giardia infection. Symptoms of STIs vary and may include itching around the vulva for women and discharge from the penis for men. They may also include sore throats, vaginal discharge and pain during urination.
You can also get herpes from kissing someone who has an active outbreak. But you’re only contagious when you have a visible sore, so it is important to use barrier methods and not kiss your partners with herpes sores.
If you want to stay safe, use barrier methods with your partners and practice monogamy. Practice good hygiene and wash your hands regularly. You should also get regular tests for STIs, including herpes, syphilis, genital warts and hepatitis A, B and C. Getting tested and treated early will help protect you from the complications of untreated STIs, such as syphilis, which can damage your organs and nervous system or infect a developing fetus.
You can get an STI from eating
STIs are bacteria, viruses or parasites that can spread from person to person through sexual contact. They can also be transmitted through nonsexual contact, such as during pregnancy or childbirth. These infections often cause no symptoms, and that’s why it is so important to get tested regularly. Getting an STI is easier to treat and prevent when you know what your risk factors are.
The most common way to get an STI is by having unprotected sex, especially vaginal or anal sex. A health care provider will test your blood or urine for signs of STIs. They will also ask you personal questions about your medical and sexual history. It is important to answer these questions honestly. They can help you get the treatment that you need.
You can also get an STI through skin-to-skin contact, sharing towels or using the same sex toy. Some STIs, such as the single-celled protozoan parasite that causes trichomoniasis (genital itching and discharge), can even hitch a ride on your clothes and combs.
You can protect yourself from STIs by using condoms and other barrier methods during sex, and by limiting your number of sexual partners. Having regular STI screenings is also helpful, as many STIs can be treated easily with antibiotics. In addition, it’s important to tell your partner(s) if you have an STI so that they can be tested and treated.
You can get an STI from sharing towels
STIs spread in many different ways, not just through semen. They can also spread through contact with vaginal fluid, pre-cum, or open cuts or sores. If you are infected with an STI, early treatment is important. This can help prevent serious health problems, including damage to your heart and brain. Many STIs can be treated with medicine that you take as prescribed.
Often, a doctor will recommend that you avoid contact with sores and use condoms during sex. It is also a good idea to wash and disinfect towels after each use. You can also reduce your risk of infection by not sharing towels with people who have an STI or a sexually transmitted disease. You should also wear rubber gloves when washing your genitals.
While it is possible to get an STI through nonsexual activities, it is not common. STIs are usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. These organisms cannot survive outside the body or in bodily fluids for very long. They are also very bad at surviving in water, which is why it’s unlikely that you could get an STI from a shared shower or public pool.
Most STIs are spread through unprotected sex, such as oral, vaginal, and anal sex. However, some STIs can be spread through other methods, such as kissing or sharing lip balm. You can also get a herpes infection by sharing saliva with someone who has herpes or mono (the kissing disease). It’s important to be aware of the risks and protect yourself by using condoms and practicing safe sex.
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