Can You Get an STD if You’re Both a Virgin?

Can a virgin get an STD from another virgin? The short answer is yes. The long answer includes descriptions of how you can acquire an STD and how virginity is defined. 

An STD is a sexually transmitted disease. Gonorrhea and syphilis come to mind for most people when they think of an STD. It may surprise you to learn that there are more than 20 kinds of STDs. 

STDs are also known as sexually transmitted infections (STI). Both are spread through sexual intercourse. But that’s not the only way to acquire an STD or STI.

How Do You Get an STD or STI Without Penile Penetration?

No, the other way is not catching an STD from a toilet seat. All it takes is any skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. STDs and STIs differ in contagiousness, symptoms, and treatment, depending on the cause, such as the following examples:

• Bacteria – chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, vaginosis
• Fungus – candidiasis
• Parasite – pubic lice, scabies, trichomonas
• Virus – genital warts, herpes, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, HPV 

STDs and STIs infect more than your genitals. They often affect other parts of your body. Testing reveals what type of infection you may have so that you can start treatment promptly.

But How Can a Virgin Give You an STD or STI?

So how do you get an STD or STI from a virgin? You may think of someone, or yourself, as virginal because there hasn’t been sexual intercourse. You define intercourse only as the penis penetrating the vagina. 

Contracting STD or STI does not require penetration. Oral or anal sex can transmit infection. Anilingus, which is oral stimulation of the anus, can lead to bacterial or parasitic infections and hepatitis A.  

It doesn’t happen too often, but you can get a viral STI from kissing an infected person. Using fingers or hands to stimulate or arouse a sex partner can transmit infection, although it’s low risk. 

In short, sexual gratification that includes skin-to-skin contact puts you at risk for an STD or STI. Using a sex toy? That also puts you at risk, especially if you’re sharing with others. 

How Did You Get an STD or STI if You Didn’t Have Sex?

Sharing a needle with someone puts you at high risk of getting any infection they have. People are not always forthcoming if you ask if they have an infection. That’s why testing is so imperative in any contact. 

Body fluids carry STDs and STIs. That includes vaginal wetness and penile leakage. Rubbing the penis against the skin anywhere or touching the vaginal area can transmit an infection. 

Cold sores, a type of herpes, ooze contagious liquid. Blood is another body fluid that carries infectious particles. It doesn’t happen often, but living in close quarters with someone can expose you to an STD or STI, especially if you share personal items.

How Can You Protect Yourself From Getting an STD or STI?

Now that you know that you can get an STD or STI even if you’re both virgins, how can you protect yourself? Try to avoid intimacy with untested individuals. Otherwise, prevention depends on whether your contact is sexual or non-sexual. 

Sharing a needle is non-sexual exposure. If you do so, frequent testing is essential. If you are infected, then you’ll need to seek treatment. 

Do Condoms Prevent STDs and STIs?

If you’re engaging in sexual intimacy, then consider using condoms. You have a variety from which to select. Some are meant for vaginal sex, while others are for anal sex.   

External condoms fit over the penis. You place internal condoms inside the vagina. Others are used with sex toys or made to fit over a finger. 

Condoms come in all sizes, and some are so thin you can use them for oral sex. Most people can find a condom that enhances their sexual pleasure. All condoms, correctly used, will protect you from an STD or STI.

What Does A Dental Dam Have to do With Sex?

If oral sex is your thing, using a dental dam will help protect you from an STD or STI. A dental dam does what any kind of dam does. That is, it blocks the flow of fluids. 

A dental dam designed for sex play doesn’t go over your mouth. It’s a thin polyurethane or latex sheet that you place over the vagina or anus. Like condoms, they come in various sizes, colors, and flavors meant to enhance pleasure. 

Both condoms and dental dams protect against infections transmitted by anal, oral, and genital sex. They do not protect against STDs or STIs transmitted by other types of exposure. Condoms are available at pharmacies and online. 

Dental dams are sometimes available at pharmacies but are usually easier to purchase online. If you don’t have one on hand when needed, you can make one from a condom. Cut off both ends of the condom, then cut it lengthwise and flatten it.

Where Can You Get Private STD or STI Testing?

You may feel that barriers like condoms and dental dams interfere with sexual pleasure. You may regard testing negatively, even if it’s online and private. But STDs and STIs are worse. 

Whether you are enjoying sex with one partner or multiple partners, and whether or not you or your partner are virginal, testing makes good sense. Protect your health with STDCheck.com. Our testing kits and services are convenient, affordable, and provide the care you need in the comfort and privacy of your home.  STDCheck is a subsidiary of Analyte Health.