Can I Get an STI From a Virgin?

Is sexual contact with a virgin “safe” when it comes to preventing sexually transmitted diseases? The answer is “no,” it’s possible to get an STD —even if you are both virgins.

A person may consider themself a virgin if they have never had penetrative sex. However, they may have had sexual contact that could put them at risk for having an STD, including skin-to-skin sexual contact or oral sex. Both of these types of sexual contact carry the risk of STD transmission.

Let’s talk about STDs and how they are transmitted from one person to another.

How Are STDs Transmitted?

A sexually transmitted infection is a disease passed from person to person through sexual contact or intercourse. While penetration is a primary transmission method, the transmission of STDs may also occur through other kinds of contact, including:

• Oral sex
• Anal sex
• Genital skin-to-skin contact

Can You Get an STI if We Are Both Virgins?

Yes, you can get an STI if you and your partner are both virgins. Research demonstrated that male virgins can catch and transmit HPV. That is because some sexual behaviors do not require penetration. However, they still increase the chances of STD transmission. Even relatively chaste sexual acts, like hand-to-genital contact, can result in the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.  As the research demonstrated, contact between the hands and genitals, “fingering,” and other non-penetrative sexual contact can spread the human papillomavirus or HPV, as well as other STDs.

Common STI Symptoms To Look Out For

If you have engaged in unsafe sexual contact, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of STDs. Not all sexually transmitted infections will present with the same symptoms. However, there are common symptoms you should watch for if you think you are at risk of catching an STI.

• Unusual discharge from the penis, vagina, or anus
• Painful urination
• Bumps or growths on the genitals or anus
• Blisters, sores, or a rash

You can decrease your infection risk by ensuring your, and your partner’s hands are clean before engaging in “fingering” or manual stimulation. In addition, you should also avoid contact with open wounds or sores.

How Can You Know if You Have an STI?

While several symptoms may indicate a cause for concern, the only way to know whether you have contracted an STI is to get tested. Engaging in sexual behaviors with an infected partner will put you at risk, even if you are both still virgins. Many STDs have no symptoms at all, so it’s better to be safe and get tested if you have had any kind of sexual activity.

Clinics can provide discrete screening services so you can enjoy peace of mind or receive the treatment you need.           

Sources

1. (2022). Oup.com. https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/217/5/767/4641715
2. NHS Choices. (2021, June 25). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis/