Can you get an STD from trying on swimsuits? It’s a common question, and for good reason. It’s tempting to try on a new item of clothing in the store, with the tags attached, and not remind yourself how many other people have already tried on that same sweater or shorts. And in most cases you don’t have to think about it. However, when it comes to trying on more intimate clothing, including swimsuits, you would be wise to take precautions and consider who else has worn the suit.
Studies have shown that clothing (in stores ranging from bargain to luxury) can transmit germs and organisms from one person to another. The bacteria can come from other people who try on the clothing, from employees who handle the clothing or even from the manufacturers of the clothing themselves. In these studies, the garments with the highest bacteria and virus counts were, unsurprisingly, swimwear and underwear, and the tighter the swimsuit or underwear, the higher the numbers. Researchers suspect this is likely due to the fact that people are more likely to take off their underwear before trying on the swimsuit or underwear, in order to get a more accurate picture of the clothing on their body.
The bacteria and viruses found in these studies can cause fungal infections, colds, stomach viruses, flu, and even MRSA. That said, certain viruses can only live outside the body for a short period of time. However, there are several infections that are highly transmissible, such as pubic lice, which can survive for a few days without a human host, and certain viruses can live outside the body for weeks.
So we know that clothing can be contaminated with organisms that can make us sick, but the question remains: can you get an STD from trying on swimsuits? While most sexually transmitted infections and diseases require direct contact to be transmitted, there are several infections (sexually transmitted and otherwise) that you can contract from trying on a swimsuit, underwear, or other intimate garments. Here are some STDs that are most likely to be transmitted through clothing.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis, or ‘trich’, is a parasitic infection caused by a single-celled protozoan organism. This parasite is one of the most common STDs in the United States, infecting millions of people at any time. Most don’t even know they are positive because so few will exhibit Symptoms of trichomoniasis. Trich is carried in sexual fluids, including precum and vaginal fluids, so clothing that comes into contact with these fluids can pass the infection to others. However, Trich can only live outside the body for a few hours, so you would have to come into contact with the infected garment within that window to potentially contract the infection.
Pubic lice
Pubic lice, also called crabs, are small parasites that attach to skin and coarse hair around your genitals, but can also live in other coarse hair, such as chest hair, armpit hair, beards and eyebrows. Pubic lice can live for up to two days without a host, leaving a large window for possible transmission through clothing.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is transmitted through body secretions, including blood, semen and vaginal fluid, and can survive outside the body for up to a week. If you get close, direct contact with a swimsuit that contains traces of infected mucus can cause transmission of the virus.
While it is possible to contract any of the above STDs from trying on a swimsuit or other garment that covers your genitals, the risk of contracting anything is low and there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection. included:
Wear underwear
The risk of coming into direct contact with any of the above infections is significantly reduced by wearing full-coverage underwear when trying on swimsuits or other intimate clothing. Don’t rely on the sanitary pads or plastic liners that many manufacturers put in swimsuits; Research has shown that these are not very effective in preventing contact with bacteria and viruses.
Wash your clothes
New clothing, especially swimsuits and underwear, should always be washed before wearing, and it is good practice to do the same with other clothing. Regardless of whether you have purchased anything, if you have tried anything on, you should wash the clothes you are wearing (especially your underwear) as soon as possible.
Wash your hands
Many infections, including STDs, can be transmitted by ingesting something contaminated with viruses. So make sure you wash your hands after trying on clothes, especially if you plan to go to the food court afterwards.
Although the chance of contracting an STD from trying on swimsuits is small, as with any activity that carries a risk of STD transmission, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Implement these protective measures to reduce the risk of contraction and, as always, get tested regularly so you know what you are passing on to others.