What are the Different Ways You Can Get an STD?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) — or sexually transmitted infections (STI) are common health concerns that affect 1 in 5 Americans every year.

Although STDs can be prevented, it’s important to understand how infections occur in the first place. This helps you to implement preventative measures to keep you and your partner safe.

What is an STD?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that spread through sexual contact, which includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

They can be caused by parasites, bacteria, viruses, or fungi and affect men and women equally. If you have an STD, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Pain or burning in the genital area
• Discomfort during sex
• Abnormal and foul-smelling discharge from the genital area

Secondary infections — such as on the mouth or eyes — may cause the following symptoms to develop:

• Sore throat
• Unusual discharge from the affected area
• Flu-like symptoms

What are Some of the Most Common STDs?

Although there are over 20 different types of STDs, some are more common than others. These include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis B
• Genital warts and herpes
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

If you think you’ve been infected with an STD, seek medical attention and get tested as soon as possible to avoid spreading it.

How Do You Get an STD?

The most common way to contract an STD is through close physical contact. However, there are also other ways that STDs can spread from one person to another.

Let’s take a closer look at the different ways STD transmissions happen.

Sexual contact

STDs are usually spread through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. This includes anal, oral, and vaginal sex.

The bacteria, parasites, or viruses that cause STDs are transmitted from person to person through genital fluids or blood.

Can you get an STD in a nonsexual way?

It’s possible to get STDs in nonsexual ways, such as through sharing needles and personal items, blood transfusions, and close physical contact.

Although it’s rare for STDs to be transmitted in nonsexual ways, you should always be careful if you or your partner are infected.

How common is it to get STDs from oral sex?

STDs can be spread through oral sex if the mouth and throat come into contact with infected bodily fluids.

The risk of developing an STD after oral sex depends on a few factors, including the type of STD and the nature of the sexual act.

You may also increase your risk of becoming infected through oral sex if you:

• Have poor oral health, gum disease, bleeding gums, or oral cancer
• Have mouth sores

It’s important to note that not all types of STDs will spread through oral sex and cause a mouth or throat infection.

There is currently no evidence that supports the fact that you’re at an increased risk of developing STDs like an HIV infection through oral sex with an infected person.

However, common STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea are easily spread through acts like oral sex.

In most cases, it’s recommended to keep practicing safe sex, especially if you or your partner have a history of STDs.

Is it possible to get an STD from physical touch?

The transmission of STDs through casual physical contact — like holding hands and hugging — is highly unlikely. Most STDs require direct contact with infected fluids to be transmitted.

It’s also unlikely that sexual acts like masturbating will transmit STDs.

It’s important to note that there are certain types of STDs that are spread through close skin-to-skin contact.

This primarily includes the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that’s transmitted through direct contact with active sores and blisters, even without sexual activity.

STDs like scabies and public lice may also spread through prolonged physical contact or sharing personal items.

Can you get STDs if both partners test negative?

Even if both partners consider themselves infection-free, STD transmission is still possible. There are a few reasons for this, including:

• Asymptomatic carriers: Some individuals can be infected with an STD without showing any symptoms. This can lead to them unknowingly infecting their partners.

• Infection window period: STDs aren’t always detectable from the moment of infection. The time between when you get an STD and when it will show on a test is known as the infection window period. During this period, both partners may receive negative results, but it’s still possible for them to have an infection.

• False negative STD test results: STD results are generally considered accurate, but there’s a small chance of false negatives. Testing too soon after exposure or using a faulty test can lead to inaccurate results.

To minimize the risk of transmission, it’s recommended to practice safe sex consistently by using barrier methods like condoms.

It’s also a good idea to undergo STD testing regularly to be sure of your status.

Can STDs be transmitted through kissing?

Although the transmission of STDs through kissing is considered low-risk, it’s not impossible.

Many STDs require direct contact with the infected fluids — specifically during sexual activities — but some infections can be transmitted through open sores and lesions. Let’s take a look at a few examples:

• HSV: The two herpes strains — HSV-1 and HSV-2 — can be transmitted through kissing if one partner has an active oral infection, such as cold sores or fever blisters. Direct contact with these sores can cause HSV to spread.

• Syphilis: If you or your partner has open sores in your mouth or on the lips, it’s possible to transmit syphilis through kissing if one of you is infected.

Even though the risk of transmitting STDs through kissing is low, it’s important to make use of protective measures to ensure your safety.

Practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding kissing your partner when they have visible oral sores, and being honest about your STD status can reduce your risk of infection.

Is it possible to get an STD from public restrooms?

There is currently no evidence that supports the claim that you can get an STD from public restrooms.

STDs aren’t commonly found on restroom surfaces, and even then, openings in your body — like your mouth or genital area — must be in direct contact with the bacteria before you can become infected.

Are STDs Preventable?

Although there is no foolproof way to prevent STDs — apart from abstaining from sex completely — there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk of infection.

This includes:

• Consistently practicing safe sex by using barrier methods
• Getting tested for STDs regularly
• Getting a hepatitis and HPV vaccine
• Being truthful and transparent about your sexual history with your partners

What Should I Do if I’ve Been Exposed to STDs?

If you suspect you’ve contracted an STD, it’s important to make an appointment with your sexual health doctor as soon as possible.

They will guide you through the testing process and recommend the appropriate treatment methods.

You should also inform your sexual partners so that they can get tested as well and avoid spreading the STD to more people.

Where Can I Learn More about STDs and Sexual Health?

If you suspect that you have an STD or you’re concerned about any of your symptoms, you can speak to a board-certified physician or nurse from the comfort of your home.

LifeMD also offers professional STD treatments and personalized care to suit your unique needs.

Head over to LifeMD to make a telehealth appointment today.