While discussions around sexual health have become more common in recent years, it is still a hush-hush subject in many families, among friends, and even around doctors. A large population still remains unaware about several types of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and how they spread. Those who do limit their knowledge to sex and intimacy and fail to see beyond, which includes serious health issues.
As far as STIs are concerned, it is important to note that there are multiple ways it can transmit. While sex is one of the primary ways of transmission, it is not the only one. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Madhuri Vidyashankar, Consultant Gynaecologist, Hysteroscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Motherhood Hospitals, Indiranagar and HRBR layout, answers whether STIs can spread without sex and how.
Also Read: What Are Sexually Transmitted Infections? STIs Explained
STI Transmission
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 30 different bacteria, viruses and parasites are known to spread through sexual contact, which includes vaginal, anal and oral sex.
Eight types of pathogens are responsible for greatest incidences of STIs, four of which are curable. These include syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis.
The WHO notes that over 10 lakh STIs are acquired every day worldwide, the majority of which are asymptomatic.
Every year, there are an estimated 37.4 crore new infections, says the global health body, adding that over 50 crore people between the ages 15-49 are said to have a genital infection with herpes simplex virus.
In addition, an estimated 30 crore women have an Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is the primary cause of cervical cancer in women and anal cancer in men who have sexual intercourse with men.
Can STI Spread Without Sex?
STIs spread commonly through sex and other sexual activity, which includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex. But are these the only ways an STI can spread? Not really, says Dr Vidyashankar.
According to the doctor, STDs and STIs can be transmitted through various means other than intercourse. For instance, activities like kissing, sharing contaminated food, using unclean towels, and more can result in the spread of STDs such as chlamydia, herpes, and hepatitis, she mentions.
Moreover, the doctor says, “It is important to note that certain STIs can also be passed on from a mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.”
“Sexual intercourse is a common method of contracting an STD. However, it's also possible to catch an STI through other means, such as consuming contaminated foods or sharing items like sheets, towels, and clothes. Additionally, if you receive a blood transfusion from blood that contains HIV, your chances of contracting HIV are very high,” Dr Vidyashankar adds.
Also Read: Healthy Practices To Curb The Spread Of STIs
How To Curb The Spread Of STI
STIs may not seem that serious because of the fact that many don’t even know they have it and it does not have any dangerous impact on health. However, preventing it and taking responsibility is crucial for maintaining a healthy life.
“One way to minimise the risk of contracting any type of STI is by being in a monogamous sexual relationship. Engaging in sexual activity with multiple partners increases the chances of being exposed to infections,” Dr Vidyashankar shares, adding, “It is important to clean your sexual organs before and after participating in sexual activity. Keeping your sexual organs clean at all times is also a hygienic measure, as unclean organs are more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections.”
For those who are sexually active, the doctor recommends regular STI check-ups, which can help prevent further infections. Some of the common symptoms to note are rashes, sores, or bumps, as these can indicate the presence of an infection in your partner.
While it may come as a surprise, sharing personal items such as needles or anything that has blood on it is another way of contracting STIs.Therefore, avoid sharing these items to protect yourself from STIs.
Additionally, consider getting vaccinated for STIs. Vaccines like the HPV vaccine can help prevent infections such as genital warts.
Lastly and most importantly, use barrier methods of contraception. “It's incorrect to assume that only heterosexual individuals need to practise safe sex. Regardless of sexual orientation, using protection is vital in preventing the spread of STI,” the doctor advises.