Concerns & Precautions: Can You Get An STD Without Having Sex
Can You Get An STD Without Having Sex? The answer is Yes you can.
Many of you may not be familiar with the possibility of getting an STD without having sex. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), is a disease that is associated with sexual activity, but you can get STDs without having sex.
In the following passages, you’ll learn about the several ways how can you get an STD without having sex. You may also get aware of the misconception related to non-sexual STDs concern and prevention. If you want to keep your sexual health safe then you have to understand these alternative transmission routes. So, let’s dive and learn about non-sexual STD transmission.
STDs Without Having Sexual Intercourse
Mother-To-Child Transmission – One way is mother-to-child transmission through which you can acquire STDs without sexual intercourse. It is the primary way and is also known as vertical transmission. The infection can be passed during pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding, from the mother to her baby. However, STDs like HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and herpes can be transmitted in this way that are explained further:
HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus that is popular as HIV, can be transmitted from mother to child. It may happen when an HIV positive mother is pregnant, giving birth to a child, or breastfeeding.
Syphilis: Syphilis is caused when a pregnant woman has untreated syphilis bacteria. Otherwise the infection can be transmitted to the fetus. It leads to congenital syphilis that can cause serious health complications for the baby.
Hepatitis B: The HBV virus can be transmitted from an infected mother to newborn child during child’s birth. This viral infection affects the liver and causes chronic diseases untreated.
Blood And Needle Exposure – Another significant way is via blood and needle exposure for non-sexual STD Transmission. The already used or shared needles, syringes, or drug paraphernalia can transmit blood-borne infections, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. This infection can be transmitted with the contact of infected blood or other body fluids.
Skin-to-skin Contact – Some of the STDs like herpes, can be transmitted through skin contact. It doesn’t require sexual engagement. It consists of close contact during intimate activities, such as kissing or oral sex, the presence of open sores. These activities can facilitate the transmission of these sexually transmitted infections.
To exemplify, herpes can be caused through the direct transmission from skin contact without engaging in sexual intercourse. The HSV can be transmitted through contact with oral, genital, or anal areas, specially when there are active sores present.
Environment Exposure – Some STDs can be acquired through environmental exposure. To exemplify, there are public lice (crabs) that can spread with the sharing of contaminated bedding, towels, or clothing. Similarly, trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that can be contracted through sex toys and damp towels.
Precautions That You Need To Know
Practice Abstinence – Well, it’s a quite difficult task to practice abstinence but it is the most effective way to prevent STDs. If you choose to abstain from any sexual activity the risk of sexually transmitted infections can be eliminated. Abstinence is a personal choice and should be respected.
Education & Awareness – It is essential to stay informed about STDs, even if you’re not active sexually. You can get knowledge of different types of infections and the potential risks associated with each. In such a situation, you can seek reliable sources of information, including healthcare websites, providers, and resources to stay updated about sexual health.
Communicate and Set Boundaries – In any relationship, it is essential to set boundaries and make direct communication, whether it involves sexual activity or not. You can express your expectations and boundaries to your partner regarding physical contact and potential risks. Make sure to have open and clear communication to build trust and understanding.
Maintain Personal Hygiene – To prevent STD transmission, it is essential to follow and adopt good personal hygiene practices, such as washing your hands with soap regularly, especially before eating. Make sure to keep your body clean and maintain proper genital hygiene. Use mild soaps without any harsh chemicals or scents to clean the genital area.
Be Cautious in Medical Settings – Make sure to follow proper safety measures to control infections when seeing medical care. You can verify healthcare providers to ensure that they follow all the protocols when using medical instruments, needles, and other equipment.
Blood-borne Infections Information – Make sure to stay informed about blood-borne infections that can be transmitted through sharing needles or with contact with contaminated blood. Before receiving any medical treatment that includes the use of needles or blood products, make sure that healthcare providers use sterile equipment.
Conclusion
The above-given information on the cause of STDs without sexual engagement and their prevention will be helpful for you. It clearly explains that sexually transmitted diseases are not limited to sexual intercourse alone but it’s a widespread disease. You can take prevention only if you’re aware of the several situations that can cause STDs without sexual intercourse.
Prevention can be possible only if you follow all the above-given precautions and preventive measures positively. Make sure to make the communication clear and be cautious in medical settings and take other precautions to reduce the risk of contracting STDs. Empower yourself with the right and up-to-date knowledge to make informed choices and protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections.
