7 Ways You Can Catch an STI Without Having Sex

All STIs and STDs are passed sexually, right?

Wrong.

In addition to transmission through sexual intercourse, there are other ways in which infections can be passed which you should be aware of. Whether an STI is passed sexually or non-sexually, it will have the same consequences if left untreated.

Maybe you’re aware that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be passed in varying ways, or maybe this is new to you. Either way, it’s worth reading up on other ways in which STIs can be transmitted. The more clued up you are about how infections can be contracted, the easier it is to know how to take care of your sexual health and keep yourself safe.

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Kissing

If you have a cold sore around your mouth, there’s one thing you should avoid at all costs. Kissing. Oral Herpes, also known as the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1), can be spread by contact with an active sore. Oral sex should also be avoided when a cold sore is present, in order to prevent contracting HSV-1 in the genital area.

Some data also suggest that kissing can be a mode of transmission between men who have sex with men.

Oral sex

Of course, this is a form of sex and therefore still poses a high risk of catching an infection. Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea are amongst the STIs most commonly passed through oral sex to the throat. Syphilis and Genital Herpes can also be passed through contact with a blister or sore in the genital area. However, the transmissions of Syphilis in oral sex more frequently passes the other way, when someone has a Syphilis infection in their throat performs oral sex. Using a condom during oral sex can help to prevent catching STIs but will never provide complete protection.

Sharing toothbrushes, razors, or needles

Bloodborne infections can be spread by sharing objects which can cut the skin with someone who is infected. This includes HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. To minimise the risk, you should always avoid using another person’s toothbrush or razor and never share needles.

Blood transfusion

In the UK, blood utilised in transfusions is screened beforehand. However, if you had a blood transfusion before 1991 in the UK or at any time outside the UK, you may be at risk of bloodborne infections such as HIV and Hepatitis.

Contaminated food

Hepatitis A can be spread through contaminated food or water. This is more common in developing countries with poor sanitation. Someone who got a Hepatitis A infection through contaminated food or water can pass the infection on to another person through oral-to-anal sex, where faeces enter the mouth during sex acts like rimming.

Shigella is another bacteria that can be passed on during oral-to-anal contact. It produces gastroenteritis, but the infected faeces may be passed on during rimming.

Skin-on-skin contact

HPV, which can cause Genital Warts, can be transmitted through physical contact with a wart.

Sharing sex toys

Unwashed sex toys can pass STIs between two or more people. This includes Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Trichomonas, Herpes, HPV amongst others. This is also the primary way Hepatitis C infections spread (anal-to-anal transmission). It is important to clean your sex toys between use to prevent the spread of infection. You can read more about how to do so here.

Final thoughts

If you’re concerned about STIs, you should get tested as soon as possible. The sooner you know your sexual status, the better you can protect your health and the health of those you care about.

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This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Steve Chapman, 11/06/2024.

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