Can You Catch STDs From A Virgin?

The answer to whether or not you can catch an STD from a virgin is, yes.

If two people that have never had sex before, engage in intercourse together then the chances of them exchanging an STD is relatively low but it is still possible for STDs to be transmitted by a virgin.

Since STDs and STIs are mainly transmitted through sexual fluids, membranes, and contact, if neither party has ever engaged in that activity before then you are most likely safe. However, there are still a plethora of reasons that you should not only be safe when it comes to intercourse but be aware of the risks of having unprotected sex with anybody new. Even without direct intercourse, there are still other ways you could come in contact with sexual fluids and infected individuals. At myLAB Box we provide any information and testing you need to know that you are being as safe as possible.   

How you can catch STDs without having sex?

• Kissing -Although not an exchange of seminal or vaginal fluids, can spread a number of the same STDs and STIs that sex spreads. Mononucleosis, better known as the “kissing disease” can infect an individual and make them sick and contagious for up to four weeks. Some people infected with mono describe side effects that can last for months or even years. Not only can kissing spread mono, but it also puts you at risk of catching Herpes. Herpes can cause oral sores that come in waves of breakouts that could affect you for the rest of your life. Chlamydia, another STI can also pose a potential risk if in contact with an uninfected mouth. Mouths, with their exposed membranes and entrance into your body, are at unusually high risk of infection. It’s very important to stay vigilant.
• Needles -Even if a sexual partner is a virgin who has never had sexual intercourse, countless STDs and STIs can still be transmitted through blood. That means that sharing needles in any capacity will put you at extremely high risk of catching something, especially HIV/AIDS. Since STDs and STIs are bacterial or viral, exchanging blood with someone who is infected puts you at risk to catch practically all of them. Sharing needles are a fast track to spreading diseases and infections, so always be aware of your partner.

Myth: Oral Sex isn’t really sex and I can’t get an STD from it

• Oral sex, without protection, is not safe sex. It’s true a woman can’t get pregnant from oral sex alone but it is still a sexual act. Sexually transmitted infections can be contracted by the giver or the receiver of oral sex.
• Many people are unaware of their STI/STD status and some people won’t tell the truth when asked.
• Herpes, genital and oral, is transmitted by skin to skin contact. A cold sore is a form of herpes–so when you kiss someone with a cold sore or if you have a cold sore and place your mouth on their genitals there is a risk of transmission.
• Condoms can reduce the risk of transmission of STIs, but do not eliminate it entirely. The risk transmission varies depending on the type of STD. Herpes and HPV (human papillomavirus) for example are contracted by skin to skin contact. HIV is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids. A condom is more effective in reducing the risk of HIV but using a condom on someone who has Herpes or HPV still carries a risk as those STDs may be present on skin around the sex organs.
• You can effectively give a good blowjob and use a condom. Condoms manufactured today are safer, stronger, and THINNER than those in the past, allowing for more pleasurable sensations.

Know the facts about safe sex and STD/STIs. Use caution and enjoy a healthier, longer and more satisfying (oral) sex life.

Can you catch an STD from someone who has never had sex? Even though kissing and sharing needles are some of the quickest ways for you to catch an STD or STI without having sex, there are still other ways you may catch something.

Living in close proximity with someone inside of a dorm room or using public bathrooms may put you in contact with infected areas polluted with personal fluids. So whereas unprotected sex puts you at the highest risk of catching STDs or STIs, being with a virgin, or being a virgin yourself, does not make you entirely safe.

If you are curious at all about yourself or your potential partners, contact myLAB Box and order a testing kit today. Information is power and staying up to date with yourself is your number one weapon against STDs or STIs.

REFERENCES:

1. Hannah Brückner, Ph.D, Peter Bearman, Ph.D. After the promise: The STD consequences of adolescent virginity pledges. (2005). Journal of Adolescent Health.
2. Jeremy E. Uecker, Nicole Angotti, and Mark D. Regnerus. Going Most of the Way: “Technical Virginity” among American Adolescents. (2011). Soc Sci Res.
3. Steven C. Martino, PhD,^* Marc N. Elliott, PhD,^† Rebecca L. Collins, PhD,^† David E. Kanouse, PhD,^† and Sandra H. Berry. Virginity Pledges Among the Willing: Delays in First Intercourse and Consistency of Condom Use. (2008). J Adolesc Health.
4. Mohammad Hossein Mehrolhassani, Vahid Yazdi-Feyzabadi, Saeid Mirzaei, Farzaneh Zolala, Ali-Akbar Haghdoost & Nadia Oroomiei. The concept of virginity from the perspective of Iranian adolescents: a qualitative study. (2020). BMC Public Health.
5. Pamela C. Regan, Susan Sprecher. College virgins: How men and women perceive their sexual status. (2010). The Journal of Sex Research.
6. Zhiyue Liu, Alan G Nyitray, Lu-Yu Hwang, Michael D Swartz, Martha Abrahamsen, Eduardo Lazcano-Ponce, Luisa L Villa, Anna R Giuliano. (2017). Male virgins can still acquire HPV, study finds. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.