How Can You Catch an STI? Understanding Transmission and Prevention

STIs are infections that are mostly spread through sexual contact. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and can range from mild and treatable to serious and long-lasting if not treated. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, and herpes.

Many STIs don’t cause any symptoms at first, so someone might have an infection and not know it. This means they could pass it to others without realizing. That’s why it’s so important to know how STIs spread and to take steps to protect yourself and others.

Sexual Contact:

Most STIs are passed on through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. During these activities, body fluids like semen, vaginal fluids, or blood can carry germs that cause STIs. Even if someone doesn’t have symptoms, they can still spread the infection.

Skin-to-Skin Contact:

Some STIs, like herpes and HPV, can be spread just by touching the skin of an infected area. You don’t need to have sex for these infections to spread.

Blood-to-Blood Contact:

STIs like HIV and hepatitis B can be spread through blood. This can happen if people share needles for drugs, tattoos, or piercings. It’s rare, but possible, to get an STI from a blood transfusion if the blood isn’t tested.

Mother to Child:

Some STIs can be passed from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. For example, HIV and syphilis can be passed this way, which can cause serious health problems for the baby.

Other Ways:

• Sharing sex toys without cleaning them can spread STIs.

• Rarely, using unclean medical or dental tools could spread infections, but this is very unlikely in the US due to strict hygiene rules.

• Kissing can spread some STIs, like herpes (cold sores), if the virus is present.

There are many myths about how STIs are spread. Here are some common ones:

• Myth: “You can catch an STI from a toilet seat.”
  Fact: STIs are not spread by sitting on toilet seats. They need close contact or body fluids to spread.

• Myth: “If I don’t have symptoms, I don’t have an STI.”
  Fact: Many STIs have no symptoms, so regular testing is important.

• Myth: “Only people with lots of partners get STIs.”
  Fact: Anyone can get an STI from just one unprotected sexual encounter.

• Myth: “You can’t get an STI from oral sex.”
  Fact: Oral sex can still spread STIs like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, and herpes.

• Myth: “Once I’ve had an STI and been treated, I can’t get it again.”
  Fact: You can get the same STI again if you’re exposed to it.

• Myth: “STIs only affect young people.”
  Fact: People of all ages can get STIs.

Use Barrier Protection:
Condoms and dental dams are very effective at protecting against most STIs. Always check the expiration date, store them properly, and use water-based or silicone-based lubricants to avoid tearing.

Get Vaccinated:
Vaccines can protect against some STIs, like HPV and hepatitis B. In the US, these vaccines are offered to young people and those at higher risk.

Get Tested Regularly:
Even if you feel fine, regular STI testing is important, especially if you have new or multiple partners. Testing helps catch infections early so they can be treated.

Talk to Your Partner:
Being honest about your sexual health and STI testing with your partner helps both of you stay safe.

Conclusion

Knowing how STIs are spread is key to protecting yourself and others. STIs can be passed through sex, skin contact, blood, and from mother to child. Because many STIs don’t have symptoms, regular testing and safe practices are important. Using protection, getting vaccinated, and talking openly with partners can help stop the spread of STIs and keep everyone healthier.