STD From a Swimming Pool

Dive right in to finding out if you can get a sexually transmitted disease or infection from taking a swim in the pool or lounging in a hot tub.

One of the top searches on Google regarding where you can get sexually transmitted diseases from show that people are curious about whether or not they can contract an STD from swimming pools.

This query ranks fourth after asking in a Google search if you can get STDs via kissing, a toilet seat, or oral [sex].

Don’t make a splash because you CANNOT get an STD from swimming in a pool or relaxing in a hot tub. Appropriate chlorine and chemical levels are maintained to kill bacteria and viruses, including those that cause sexually transmitted diseases.

STDs are typically transmitted during sexual contact and, as of yet, there are no documented cases of anyone contracting an STD from swimming in a pool.
If you are going for a swim, just avoid sharing towels. Public lice (crabs) and the virus molluscum contagiosum can be spread by sharing infected linens including bedding, clothing and towels.

Can You Get An STD From A Hot Tub?

If a person has an STD and swims in a pool or hot tub, the infection cannot spread to other swimmers.

If a person has an STD and swims in a pool or hot tub, the infection cannot spread to other swimmers. This is because STDs die once they are outside of the body because they no longer have a host to live off of. 

You cannot get an STD from someone who uses the same swimming equipment either.  Just remember to wash your hands at public areas (like you should already do regardless). 

Many STDs are easy to cure.

Most bacterial STDs are curable, and many of the viral infections are treatable. However, you should get tested as soon as possible if you think that you have been exposed to an STD or want to make sure that your partner has been treated properly.

Some signs or symptoms of an STD:

• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Painful urination or frequent urination
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Swelling in one part of the genital area

Treatment for STDs may include antibiotics.

Treatment for STDs may include antibiotics. Antibiotics are often used to treat STDs, but they aren’t always necessary. There are several types of antibiotics and they can be taken in different ways depending on the infection. For example, some infections can be treated with oral pills while others require injections.

Some side effects are common with antibiotic use, including diarrhea and yeast infections (which occur when the balance between good bacteria and bad bacteria in your body is thrown off). If you experience any of these symptoms or have other concerns about your health after taking an antibiotic, talk to your doctor about it as soon as possible.

Some STDs can be treated without antibiotics—this includes chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. If you test positive at one of our labs, our medical staff will be able to prescribe the best medications for your diagnosis.

Is it possible to have an STD and not know it?

Many STDs are transmitted through sexual contact, so you may not think to consider them if your symptoms don’t involve your genitals.

You may not associate certain symptoms with STDs:

• Painful urination or discharge from the penis or vagina
• Sores inside the mouth or on the tongue, lips or gums (herpes)
• Itching near your anus (trichomoniasis) or around your penis (pubic lice).

Some STDs can be cured by taking prescription drugs chosen for your specific needs by a healthcare professional. 

The good news is that some STDs can be cured by taking prescription drugs chosen for your specific needs by a healthcare professional at one of STD Check’s labs. If you or your partner have an STD, it’s important to avoid having sex until you and your sexual partner are fully treated, as well as avoid sharing sex toys until they are cleaned well with soap and water.

STDs Prevention Checklist

• Condoms are your best bet for protecting yourself from STDs. If you don’t have a condom, it’s okay to ask your partner if he or she has one.
• Get tested regularly. The CDC recommends that people get tested for HIV at least once a year, and other STDs on a regular basis depending on the frequency of sexual activity and type of relationship with their partner(s).
• Follow proper hygiene rules. It’s important to wash after coming into contact with any bodily fluids, including semen, vaginal secretions, and blood (if you’re menstruating).
• Don’t share sex toys unless they’ve been thoroughly cleaned beforehand—and never share needles!
• Wait until you are fully treated before having sex again; this includes both oral sex and intercourse!

Conclusion

We hope that by educating you about STDs and their risks, we have given you the information you need to protect yourself from contracting one. Remember that if you think something is wrong with your body or your partner’s body, it’s important not to ignore these symptoms. Get privately tested by a medical professional at one of our partner labs today so they can determine treatment options for you if you test positive.