If you are reading this, chances are that you are genuinely concerned about your health. First off, HIV is not the only sexually transmitted disease one can get. There are many such as genital herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea (amongst others). And most of these are not necessarily transmitted through sex alone. Remember, an STD doesn’t discriminate – so you better be armed with knowledge and take precautions. Always play it safe girl! Here’s a list of things that can give you an STD (other than sex!)
1. Exchanging Saliva
Passionate kissing may seem really sweet and innocent but that isn’t always the case. Tongue wrestling can lead to spit swapping and if your partner has herpes (a virus that causes cold sores) – then you’re in trouble!
2. Giving A Blow Job
A lot of people think that oral sex is absolutely harmless. However, the secretions, sores, and broken skin of genital herpes can spread during oral sex. And if your guy has Chlamydia, it can infect your throat.
3. Anal Sex
Unprotected anal sex is a bad idea. It is considered as one of the riskiest sexual activities, with respect to spreading STDs. Having anal sex without a condom can expose you to syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, HIV and herpes.
4. A Contaminated Meal
Scary but hepatitis A can also spread with contaminated food. If your meal is prepared by someone who has hepatitis A and didn’t wash their hands after using the washroom (Ew!), you can end up with it.
5. Dry Sex
If you haven’t had penetrative sex but have indulged in some skin-to-skin action, it is possible to get herpes or HPV.
6. An Unhygienic Restroom
It is possible to get an STD if there is an infection on the toilet seat. When you’re using a public toilet, we’d recommend squatting low instead of sitting.
7. Unclean Sex Toys
Unwashed sex toys can be carriers of chlamydia, syphilis and herpes. All you need to do is sanitise them after every use and you should be good!
8. Damp Fabric
A parasitic protozoan that causes trichomoniasis, can survive for hours on damp sheets, towels or clothes. The infections are waiting in the fibers!
9. The Risk Of A Prick
Sharing razors or needles or something that cuts or pierces the skin is an easy way to catch Hepatitis B and HIV. The risk of breaking the skin and mixing blood, leads to the spread of the disease.
10. The Genetic Reason
If a to-be mother had an STD (such as HIV, herpes, chlamydia, syphilis or gonorrhea) during pregnancy, chances are, she’ll pass it on to the child.
