However, some STDs may be transmitted through casual conduct, like sharing food or borrowing dirty towels.
This makes prevention,screening, and testing vital for maintaining sexual and reproductive health.
How Are STDs Transmitted?

Business / Getty Images
The most common way to transmit an STD is through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Mothers can pass some STDs to their babies during pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding.
Transmission can occur from the following activities.
Kissing
Mononucleosis, a punch in ofherpes virus, is a highly contagious disease.
This is especially true if you have open sores or cuts in your mouth.
This can occur when your genitals or mouth touch their genitals, mouth, or anal area.
Contaminated Food
Hepatitis A (HAV) is passed through the oral-fecal (poop) route.
For example, someone can transmit HAV if they do not wash their hands before preparing food or drinks.
While contracting HAV this way is rare, its best not to share food with others.
Contaminated Fabric
Trichomonas vaginalisis the parasite that causes one of the most common STDs,trichomoniasis.
This parasite can live on damp fabrics for up to an hour.
Pubic liceor crabs can be spread through infested bedding, clothing, and towels.
Theoretically, you could get it from a contaminated toothbrush or razor if blood is present.
Shared Medical Equipment
Most people associate needle or syringe sharing with illegal drug use.
However, it can also occur through sharing contaminated blood sugar monitoring equipment or insulin needles and syringes.
However, this is highly unlikely in countries with strict screening and testing requirements for blood and blood donors.
The risk increases if you are residing in a country with fewer restrictions.
Nonsexual Transmission Chances
Transmission through nonsexual contact is rare, but it does occur.
Less than 1% of bloodborne STDs arise due to an accidental needlestick.
STD Prevention
STD prevention starts withscreening, testing, and available STD vaccinations.
Untreated BV also increases a womans risk of getting STDs.
Toprevent BV, follow the above STD precautions and avoid douching and using fragranced feminine hygiene products.
Its also helpful to wear breathable underwear and wipe front to back.
Signs of an STD
Signs and symptoms of an STD vary based on the disease.
it’s possible for you to also get STDs through intimate skin-to-skin contact or kissing without intercourse.
Sometimes people pass STDs to one another through casual conduct, like sharing food or borrowing unclean linens.
They can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or delivery.
The majority of those with STDs do not have any symptoms or have delayed symptoms.
This makes prevention, screening, and testing essential for sexual and reproductive health.
Its especially surprising if you contracted one through nonsexual contact or dont have symptoms.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
While not all STDs are curable, medical treatment decreases the harmful effects of an STD.
Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on the STD andtreatment.
Viral STDs, such as HIV, HPV, and herpes, do not have a cure.
However, antiviral medications help decrease their harmful effects on the body.
Its worth noting that 90% of those with STDs do not have symptoms.
2016;113(1-02):11-22. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2016.0011
HIV.gov.How is HIV transmitted?
How do you get or transmit HIV?
Nemours Kids Health.Mononucleosis (mono).
Limeres Posse J, Diz Dios P, Scully C.Viral diseases transmissible by kissing.Saliva Protection and Transmissible Diseases.
2017:53-92. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-813681-2.00004-4
World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.
2019;22:e25354.
doi:10.1002/jia2.25354
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.
Planned Parenthood.Oral and genital herpes.
Nemours Kids Health.Genital warts (HPV).
Nemours Kids Health.Pubic lice (crabs).