Can you still get an STI if you wear a condom?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a common concern among sexually active people. But what happens if you don’t wear a condom? Does wearing a condom guarantee protection against all STIs?

The short answer is no, but let’s dive into the details.

In this blog post, we will discuss what STIs are, how they are transmitted, and how condoms help prevent the spread of STIs. We will also explore what STIs are still possible to get while wearing a condom, and what other forms of contraception can be used to stop the spread of STIs.

So, if you’re concerned about your sexual health and want to learn more about condoms and STIs, keep reading!

What are STIs?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are primarily contracted through sexual contact. STIs can affect both men and women of any age, race, or gender.

STIs can cause a wide range of health problems, from mild irritation to more serious complications like infertility, cancer, and even death.

How are STIs transmitted?

STIs are most commonly transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. However, some STIs can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact, sharing infected needles, or sharing sex toys. The risk of contracting an STI can be reduced by practising safe sex, getting regular STI testing, and knowing your partner’s sexual history.

How do condoms help prevent the spread of STIs?

Condoms are a highly effective method of preventing the spread of STIs. They create a barrier that prevents skin-to-skin contact and the exchange of bodily fluids during sexual activity.

For an STI to be transmitted, infected bodily fluids must come in contact with a mucous membrane or a sore or cut on the skin. If the infected bodily fluids cannot physically reach these points, they cannot infect another person.

For this reason, condoms are widely used to protect sexually active people from STIs, as well as unwanted pregnancies.

Can you still get an STI if you wear a condom?

Although condoms are highly effective at preventing the transmission of most STIs, there is no guarantee that you will not contract one.

Condoms can break during use, and in this scenario, the protection they provide will be minimal. There are also other STIs you can get even if your condom works perfectly.

What STIs are still possible to get while wearing a condom?

Here are some STIs you can still get even if you wear a condom.

Syphilis

During the initial stages of Syphilis, a chancre forms on or around the genitals. If, during sexual activity, you make skin-to-skin contact with this sore, you are at risk of catching the infection. This sore can often appear in areas that aren’t usually covered by condoms, such as on the skin around the genitals.

HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can be transmitted from person to person through simple skin-to-skin contact. If your condom does not fully cover your genitals, you can pass on HPV to someone else.

Herpes

During a Genital Herpes outbreak, lesions can appear around the genital area. These lesions are highly contagious.

If you have sex with an infected person when they’re having an outbreak, and the condom doesn’t provide a barrier between your genitals and their lesions, you are more likely to contract the virus.

Other bacterial STIs

In general, STIs primarily affect the genitals. However, there are instances where bacterial STIs can infect other areas of the body, such as the rectum, throat, and eyes. These STIs include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Mycoplasma
• Ureaplasma
• Trichomonas

What other forms of contraception can be used to stop the spread of STIs?

Using other forms of contraception, in addition to condoms, can further reduce the risk of STI transmission. For women, other barrier methods like the female condom and dental dams can also be used for additional protection during certain sexual activities.

Final thoughts

While condoms are an effective method of preventing the spread of STIs, they are not a guarantee. However, practicing safe sex, getting regular STI testing, and using additional forms of contraception can further reduce the risk of contracting an STI.

If you have any concerns about your sexual health, don’t hesitate to get tested. Better2Know offers a wide range of confidential and reliable STI tests. Protect your health and get tested today.

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