Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are generally acquired through sexual contact. The bacteria, viruses, or parasites that cause STDs can be transmitted from one person to another through blood, semen, or vaginal fluids and other body fluids. A number of body fluids, such as vaginal secretions, semen, saliva, and blood, contain the bacteria or viruses involved. In some cases, a person can get an STI by coming into direct contact with the fluid that contains the bacteria or virus. It is important to understand that anyone who is sexually active can get an STD.
You don't even have to “go all the way” (having anal or vaginal sex) to get an STD. This is because some STDs, such as herpes and HPV, are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Even if you have only kissed someone before, you could have acquired an STI such as herpes or, on rare occasions, syphilis. Yes, you can get an STI from a virgin. Traditionally the term virgin means “someone who hasn't had sex” but what kind of sex are we referring to? A person who identifies as a virgin may mean that they have not had sexual intercourse with the penis in the vagina, but have had oral or anal sex.
That means they could have an STI. The only way to make sure a person doesn't have an STI is to get tested. HIV, chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, some forms of hepatitis, syphilis and trichomoniasis are all sexually transmitted diseases. Because many people in the early stages of an STD or STI don't have symptoms, screening for STIs is important to prevent complications. You may not realize that you have certain STDs until you have no damage to your reproductive organs (making you infertile), vision, heart, or other organs.
