Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) pose a significant public health concern worldwide. These infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and can be contracted through various modes of sexual contact. There are more than 20 types of STDs, including Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, Gonorrhea, HIV/AIDS, HPV, Syphilis, and Trichomoniasis. 

While the topic may be uncomfortable for some, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of “How do you get STDs?” In this article, we’ll explore the different ways that STDs can be spread, including sexual contact, sharing needles, and mother-to-child transmission. We’ll also discuss strategies for reducing your risk of infection. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of how to protect yourself and your partners from STDs.

Different ways you can get an STD

It’s important for us to know how STDs spread. They mostly get passed around through sexual activities when you come into contact with infected bodily fluids or membranes. This includes unprotected sex, whether it’s vaginal, anal, or oral.

That’s the main way STDs like Trichomoniasis spread, but there are a few exceptions. Can you get an STD without having sex? Well, some STDs can also be contracted through non-sexual means. For instance, a mom with an infection can pass Chlamydia on to her baby during childbirth or breastfeeding. So, it’s not just about safe sex – it’s also about taking other precautions to protect yourself and those around you.

Fact:
A 2020 study found that people who engage in online dating are at a higher risk for STDs due to increased rates of sexual encounters and a higher number of sexual partners.

5 major modes of STD transmission

Understanding the modes of transmission is crucial for preventing the spread of STDs. Can you get an STD with a condom? Yes. The primary modes of transmission include:

  • Sexual contact: Vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner is the most common mode of transmission for many STDs. Unprotected sex significantly increases the risk of transmission
  • Mother-to-child transmission: Some STDs can be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth or breastfeeding. Prenatal care and screening are essential to reduce the risk of transmission
  • Blood-to-blood contact: Sharing needles or other equipment for injecting drugs can lead to the transmission of bloodborne STDs, such as HIV and Hepatitis
  • Non-sexual skin-to-skin contact: Skin-to-skin contact with infected areas can transmit certain STDs like Herpes and HPV, even without sexual intercourse
  • Contaminated objects: Sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes with an infected person may pose a risk of transmission for certain STDs

Risk factors that increase the chance of catching an STD

Several factors contribute to the risk of acquiring an STD:

  • Unprotected sex: Failure to use barrier methods such as condoms during sexual activities increases the risk of transmission
  • Multiple sexual Partners: Having multiple sexual partners without proper precautions increases the likelihood of exposure to STDs
  • Inconsistent condom use: Incorrect or inconsistent use of condoms reduces their effectiveness in preventing STD transmission
  • Drug use: Sharing needles or drug paraphernalia (tools used for drug consumption or preparation, like pipes or needles) can lead to the transmission of bloodborne STDs
  • Lack of vaccination: For certain STDs like HPV, lack of vaccination can increase the risk of infection
  • Sexual assault: Individuals who have experienced sexual assault may be at an increased risk of contracting STDs
  • Lack of awareness: Lack of knowledge about STDs, their transmission, and preventive measures can contribute to higher risk
Warning:
Don’t rely solely on condoms for complete protection against STDs, as they are not 100% effective. Herpes and Genital Warts can spread through skin-to-skin contact, which a condom may not fully cover.

7 ways to prevent STDs

7 ways to prevent STDs
A picture of a woman holding protection

Here are some things you can do to lower your chances of getting or spreading STDs:

  • Safe sex practices: Make it a habit to use condoms and dental dams the right way every time you have sex. This step alone can slash the chances of passing on or getting STDs
  • Regular testing: Regular screenings for STDs, especially if you have multiple sexual partners, can help detect infections early and prevent their spread
  • Communication: Have open and honest conversations with your sexual partners about STDs, testing, and prevention to ensure mutual understanding and safety
  • Vaccination: Protect yourself from preventable STDs like HPV by getting vaccinated, which provides effective protection
  • Limiting sexual partners: Limiting your number of sexual partners and ensuring that partners have been tested for STDs can significantly lower the risk of transmission
  • Avoiding risky behaviors: Prevent the transmission of bloodborne STDs by avoiding behaviors such as sharing needles
  • Education: The more you know about STDs, the better. Learning about the symptoms and how to prevent them can help keep everyone healthy

Conclusion

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) continue to be a major concern worldwide, and they spread through different kinds of sexual contact. 

Not using protection, passing infections from mother to child, direct blood contact, skin-to-skin touches that aren’t sexual, and using contaminated objects are the main ways these diseases get around. If you’re having sex without protection, have multiple partners, or aren’t fully informed about these risks, you’re more likely to catch an STD. 

However, practicing safe sex, getting tested regularly, talking openly with your partners, getting vaccinated, keeping the number of your partners down, steering clear of risky situations, and educating yourself and others are all effective prevention strategies. 

It’s important for all of us to spread the word and educate each other. Doing so can help erase the stigma and lessen STDs’ toll on public health. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How does someone first get an STD?

STDs are typically transmitted through sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area. Sharing needles or coming into contact with infected bodily fluids can also spread STDs.

Can you get an STD if both partners are clean?

Yes. Even if both partners have no current STDs, they can still contract one if exposed to an infected person or through previous undetected infections. Regular testing and mutual monogamy can reduce the risk.

Can you get an STD non-sexually?

Yes, you can get an STD non-sexually through mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, labor, or breastfeeding; blood and needle exposure from shared needles or drug paraphernalia; or skin-to-skin contact, especially with open sores or during intimate activities like kissing or oral sex.

What are the symptoms of an STD?

STD symptoms vary widely but may include unusual genital discharge, painful urination, genital sores or ulcers, genital itching or irritation, pain during sex, and flu-like symptoms. Many STDs may not cause noticeable symptoms initially.

Can STDs be cured?

STDs can be cured if they are bacterial or parasitic in nature, such as Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia, and Trichomoniasis, through antibiotics. However, viral STDs like HIV and Herpes can be managed with medications but are not completely cured.

Citations:
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