How are STDs transmitted?

Answer 1

STDs can be transmitted by genital fluids and direct skin to skin contact. Depending on the type of STD, they can be transmitted via oral, anal, vaginal sex, sharing sex toys, genital-genital contact, and sharing of needles. Some STD's can also be transmitted in other ways such as blood transfusion or blood absorption, or by birth to an infected mother.

Condoms can't always stop you from getting STD's because you can get infected from skin to skin contact with skin not covered by the condom. And condoms do break sometimes.

One reason STDs spread is because people think they can only be infected if they have sexual intercourse. That's wrong. A person can get some STDs, like herpes or genital warts, through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area or sore. STDs can enter the body through tiny cuts or tears in the mouth and anus, as well as the genitals.

STDs also spread easily because you can't tell whether someone has an infection. In fact, some people with STDs don't even know that they have them. These people are in danger of passing an infection on to their sex partners without even realizing it.

A person performing oral sex with a man or woman is at risk for contracting a STD when semen or vaginal fluids are absorbed through cuts or tears in the mouth or throat. The person receiving oral sex also has a possibility of contracting a STD as it can transmitted to the receiver if the performer has bleeding gums.

Contracting STDs from vaginal sex is greater than that of oral sex. Microscopic tears, cuts, or abrasions on the penis or inside the vagina during sex are ways that vaginal fluid or semen can be absorbed into the blood stream. The urethra of the male also has an opening that can be the absorption site if vaginal fluid or vaginal blood gets into it. Having vaginal sex when a woman is on her period increases risk for STD transmission.

Anal sex is the riskiest form of sex. The anus can be easily torn and is more susceptible to bleeding The recipient of anal sex is at greatest risk of contracting a STD due to the tears that can occur.

Answer 2

STDs can be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some STDs can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact, sharing needles, or from mother to baby during childbirth or breastfeeding. It is important to practice safe sex and get tested regularly to prevent the spread of STDs.