Are STDs Contagious? | Priority STD

Although each sexually transmitted infection (STD) may pose varying degrees of transmission risk and methods by which they can be spread, all STDs are contagious. STDs can spread at any time after the initial infection. Certain STDs have periods of viral shedding during which the virus replicates and can then be exposed outside the body. The presence of open sores can also increase the risk of spread through body fluids. Understandably, talking about the risk of STD infection can make anyone a little uncomfortable, but knowing about STDs, how they are transmitted and when they are most contagious can protect not only your sexual health, but that of others as well ! By staying informed and seeking regular STD testing, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for sexually active individuals between the ages of 13 and 64take all necessary steps to prevent these contagious sexually transmitted infections.¹

How are STDs contagious?

All STDs are similar in that they are all contagious and can be transmitted through sexual interactions such as oral, anal, or vaginal sex. However, there are specific characteristics for each virus or bacterial infection that can influence the risk. The risk of contracting an STD can be influenced by factors such as viral load, number of partners, contact with open sores, or sharing needles.

Is chlamydia contagious?

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases and is highly contagious, in part because of the frequent lack of symptoms. Chlamydia symptoms usually present in the form of discharge or uncomfortable urination, both of which can easily be mistaken for a urinary tract infection. However, this STD is easily overlooked and can increase in severity unnoticed. According to the CDCThis bacterial STD can be spread through anal, vaginal, or oral sex and can be contracted again after treatment if exposed.² However, chlamydia is not contagious through casual contact, such as shaking hands or hugging.

Is gonorrhea contagious?

Another common and contagious STD is gonorrhea. Like chlamydia, this bacterium usually shows no signs of infection. Symptoms of gonorrhea may include abnormal discharge, pain during sex, or spotting between periods, but this infection is more often asymptomatic and can lead to unintentional transmission. Because this infection usually shows no signs, the CDC says it can be easy for the bacteria to develop spread during unprotected anal, vaginal or oral sex.³ However, this infection is not contagious in the sense that it cannot be spread through normal, everyday activities or interactions.

Is hepatitis B contagious?

On the other hand, hepatitis B is a contagious infection that can be spread through sexual contact, blood or other bodily fluids. Since this virus is characterized as a blood-borne disease, it can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex and also by sharing or using contaminated needles or syringesas explained by the CDC.⁴ It can also remain contagious outside the body for about seven days and people usually do not experience hepatitis B symptoms. But while this STD is quite contagious, it does not spread through ordinary interactions such as sharing cutlery, a drink or kissing. Furthermore, unlike the bacterial infections mentioned above, once you have had hepatitis B, you cannot contract it again⁴.

Is hepatitis C contagious?

Hepatitis C is similar to B in that they cause liver inflammation and are both quite contagious. Like the B variant, this STD is contagious and can be spread through sex, blood, semen and other bodily fluids, but not through kissing, holding hands, hugging or other casual interactions. There are many different genotypes of the hepatitis C virus, so that is possible become reinfected with a different strainas stated by the CDC.⁵ Although hepatitis C symptoms are not very common in the acute or chronic stages of this STD, they may take several weeks to months to become apparent.⁵

Is HIV contagious?

HIV is another contagious STD. As explained by the CDC, HIV typically is spread through vaginal or anal sex, needle sharing and/or mother-to-child transmission.⁶ This risk of transmission increases as the viral load of the infection increases (how common the virus is throughout the body)⁷. Although very rare, it is possible for this STD to be contagious through other means, such as bites, open-mouthed kissing, and tattoo needles.⁶ But, contrary to popular belief, HIV cannot be spread through everyday interactions such as closed-mouth kissing or sharing dishes6.

Is trichomoniasis contagious?

Trichomoniasis is a unique STD because this contagious STD is not caused by bacteria or a virus, but is caused by a protozoan parasite. Like other STDs, people usually experience no symptoms of trichomoniasis and are more likely to be asymptomatic. Although the CDC reported millions of infections in their 2018 report, trichomoniasis is one of the most common curable STDs.⁸ However, this STD can spread quite easily and women experience a higher rate of infections than men.⁸ This STD can be transmitted from person to person, but usually only occurs in the genital region (rarely in other parts of the body, such as the anus or mouth).⁸ Although the limitations of this infection are reassuring, trichomoniasis remains quite contagious and should not be taken lightly.

Is syphilis contagious?

Syphilis, like other bacterial STDs, is a contagious STD. Syphilis, as explained by the CDC, is spread contact with a painful area caused by the STD.⁹ These contagious syphilis symptoms are often raised and painless sores that usually appear during the primary and secondary stages but disappear during the latent (asymptomatic stage) of the infection.⁹ It can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy⁹. Due to the latent stage of this STD, syphilis can very easily develop into complications before it is noticed or diagnosed.

Is herpes contagious?

Herpes is a significantly contagious primary STD because of the herpes symptoms it can cause. This STD is caused by a virus that normally does not manifest itself in symptoms. However, the CDC makes it clear that this infection can present itself in the form of contagious herpes lesions.¹⁰ Direct contact with these lesions or infected body fluids (oral or genital) also poses a risk for transmission.¹⁰ Herpes is also known for its viral shedding, which means the skin around the infected area can also carry the STD.¹⁰

Conclusion

These STDs, both viral and bacterial, are all quite contagious and can spread quite easily. Although all STDs can spread through unprotected sex, there are certain characteristics of each infection that can increase or decrease the risk of transmission. But of course, no one should take a chance when it comes to their sexual health. Using protective measures such as male and female condoms and dental dams can all help prevent you or your partner(s) from contracting an STD.

However, these protective measures are limited by their correct, repeated use and coverage, and errors may occur. Never since STDs always current signs, it is always It is advisable to get tested regularly at a reliable STD testing center or if you suspect an infection. It can be easy to guess the facts surrounding sexual health and the technicalities of each STD, but as a general rule, all STDs are contagious, but preventive measures and testing can keep you healthy and on top of your sexual well-being.

Sources

1. “What STD Tests Should I Get?” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. December 14, 2021. www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm.
2. “STD Facts – Chlamydia.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, January 23, 2014. www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia.htm.
3. “STD Facts – Gonorrhea.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, January 29, 2014. www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhoea/stdfact-gonorrhoea.htm.
4. “What is Hepatitis B – Frequently Asked Questions.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, July 28, 2020. www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/bfaq.htm.
5. “Hepatitis C Questions and Answers for Healthcare Professionals.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 7, 2020. www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/hcvfaq.htm#section1.
6. “Ways in which HIV can be transmitted.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, November 3, 2020. www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-transmission/ways-people-get-hiv.html.
7. “Factors that increase HIV risk.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, November 3, 2020. www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-transmission/increase-hiv-risk.html.
8. “STD Facts – Trichomoniasis.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, January 19, 2021. www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm.
9. “STD Facts – Syphilis.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, June 8, 2017. www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/stdfact-syphilis.htm.
10. “STD Facts – Genital Herpes (Detailed Version).” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, January 19, 2021. www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes-detailed.htm.