The short answer is yes, it is possible to be a virgin with STD. However, it all depends on how you define virginity. Virginity is commonly understood as vaginal intercourse between a man and a woman. However, many sexual activities do not fall under this umbrella–such as anal and oral sex, genital touching, or dry humping. Any intimate encounter carries with it some risk. So, if someone engages in any sexual activity there is a risk of transmitting a disease.
STD and Virginity: Understanding the Risk and Prevention
For instance, some STDs are passed through skin-to-skin contact. That means diseases like herpes and genital warts can be passed through touching another person’s genitals or dry humping.
Sexual contact involving bodily fluids but not vaginal penetration, such as oral and anal sex is not without risks. For instance, although many people consider oral sex safer, many common STDs can potentially be transmitted that way. For instance, chlamydia and gonorrhea can both be transmitted through oral sex.
Furthermore, unprotected anal sex can actually increase the transmission of some STDs, such as HIV, Using barriers, such as dental dams and condoms, can diminish the risks associated with both oral and anal sex.
In short, it is always important to talk about sexual health and history with a potential partner before intimate contact progresses. By talking about what activities you feel comfortable with and what prior sexual contact you and your partner have had, you can decide together what sexual activities you feel comfortable participating in. You can also decide if it makes sense for either of you to get tested beforehand.
While avoiding vaginal sex can protect you against unwanted pregnancy, other sexual activity it is not without risk. Making sure you and your partner make informed decisions about your sexual health is the best way to prevent the transmission of STDs.
