Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on September 29, 2023
Can you get sexually transmitted infections (STIs) without having sex? Let’s find out
“The main way STIs are transmitted is through any type of intercourse -- vaginal, oral or anal,” said Dr Jagriti Varshney, a gynaecologist and obstetrician, adding that there are certain entities that can pass from one person to another through infected blood.
Burning or itching near the penal or vaginal region is a symptom of STI. (Source: Freepik)
According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide, the majority of which are asymptomatic.
“The main way STIs are transmitted is through any type of intercourse — vaginal, oral or anal,” said Dr Jagriti Varshney, a gynaecologist and obstetrician, adding that there are certain entities that can pass from one person to another through infected blood.
Giving an example, she said, “In intravenous drug users, sharing the same needle if one of them is infected can transmit the infection to the other person. Similarly, if a mother has an infection, she can spread it to her baby during pregnancy.” However, she noted that STIs do not spread through shaking hands, sharing clothes or toilet seats.
Highlighting this, Dr Divya Vora, a gynaecologist and obstetrician, explained some ways one can acquire an STI without having sex.
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She wrote, “Aside from mononucleosis, the kissing disease, you can also get oral herpes from making out with your partner if they are infected with it. The same goes for sharing lip balm, drinking vessels and silverware, so be mindful of who you are swapping saliva with.”
On similar lines, Dr Varshney said that the virus herpes transmits via physical contact — either through skin or bodily fluids such as saliva, thus someone can contract the virus if they kiss an infected person.
Adding to this, she said, “Since STIs can spread through infected blood, there are chances of blood-borne infections like HIV, Hepatitis B and C as well.”
Dr Vora mentioned that even if you’re not engaging in penetrative sex, anything that exposes you to another person’s bodily fluid or genitals — whether that be masturbation, oral sex or sharing of vibrators and other devices can increase the risk of contracting an STI if your partner has one. For this, she suggested using a dental dam or condom.
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Use a fresh needle because any instrument used to pierce or cut the skin can lead to a transmission of STIs as it comes in contact with blood. (Source: Freepik)
The lesser common ways in which STIs can spread is through tattoos, body piercings and shaving. Dr Varshney recommended using a fresh needle because any instrument used to pierce or cut the skin, there are chances it can lead to a transmission of certain organisms as it comes in contact with blood. Additionally, she said shaving leaves cuts on the skin, so sharing any kind of razor can expose the blood to infection.
Dr Vora further wrote, “The parasites that cause trichomoniasis can spread via damp fabrics, so keep that in mind when you reach for your partner’s towel.”
Therefore, Dr Varshney advised using protective measures such as condoms, limiting the number of sexual partners and sterilising needles before injecting drugs.
Following are the symptoms of STIs, as mentioned by expert:
*Burning or itching near the penal or vaginal region
*Abnormal discharge or odour from the vagina
*Bleeding from the vagina different from normal menstrual blood
*Pain during intercourse
*Sores or blisters around the mouth, vagina or anus
*Urinary infection
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Dr Varshney recommended contacting a doctor if you’re suffering from any of the symptoms. “The doctor will advise a blood test and urinary examination, which will lead them to finding the exact organism causing all the symptoms and treatment will depend on that,” she concluded.
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