Could A Virgin Have An STD?

Did you know that there is no guarantee that, as a virgin, you cannot have a sexually transmitted disease? So, could a virgin have an STD? Yes, of course, there is a chance it can occur. Note that not only people who engage in sexual activities can contract sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), as there are other non-sexual methods a person can get an STD.

Not everyone with an STD are sexually active or engages in premarital sex. However, many people believe so. As much as it is true that several STDs are through sexual intercourse, avoiding sex can greatly reduce your chances of getting an STD.

Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are diseases contracted through sexual means or other means. There are different types of STDs, and each of them has its symptoms. They include the following:

• HIV

HIV, (the human immunodeficiency virus), is one of the most popular STDs. It is a virus that affects the body’s immune system and can progress into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV symptoms can differ from one person to another, but they may include acute viral syndrome—a flu-like illness—which presents with fever, chills, and muscle aches.

• Herpes

Another sexually transmitted disease is herpes. This disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The herpes virus comes in two forms: the HSV-1 (oral herpes) and the HSV-2 (genital herpes).

Some of the signs of genital herpes are sores or blisters in the genital area that cause itching and burning. At present, there isn’t any herpes cure, but there are antiviral treatments to help suppress the signs.

• Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is also a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria. Signs of gonorrhea are fever, chills, painful or burning sensations during urination and abnormal vaginal discharge in females, and discharge from the penis in males. Symptoms of gonorrhea are similar to chlamydia, and if you fail to treat it, it can cause extensive damage to the body.

• Chlamydia

Chlamydia is another bacterial STD that affects the genitals, throat, and rectum as well. Most men and women with chlamydia infection, for example, have no symptoms, and this is why a frequent check-up is advised.

If symptoms exist, they may be abnormal discharge, pain while urinating, and abdominal pain. Chlamydia is easily treatable with antibiotics, and while in most cases, the infection clears up upon taking the medication, it is vital to see a doctor.

• Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial STD that develops into several stages. The symptoms of syphilis may include sores or ulcers in the genital area, and on the mouth, as well as a rash on the hands and feet. If the disease is left untreated, it may cause other health issues, such as affecting the heart and the brain.

• Trichomoniasis

Last but not the least among stds contracted through sexual activity is trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is a parasitic STD disease caused by the tiny bacterium known as Trichomonas vaginalis. Signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis are genital itching, burning sensation, redness, and thick, greenish-yellow discharge.

Could a virgin have an STD?

Traditionally, a virgin is a person who has never had sexual intercourse. Funny enough, virginity is more of a societal construct and can be interpreted in different ways. Some cultures consider a virgin as someone who is yet to lose his or her innocence (virginity).

On the other hand, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases transmitted sexually but can also be transmitted through blood or other body fluids. STDs may be bacterial, viral, or parasitic in origin; some examples are chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and genital herpes.

According to the WHO, over a million people get infected with STDs every single day, stressing the need for public awareness and prevention.

People who do not indulge in sexual activities or have not indulged in any sexual activities may think that they are free from contracting a sexually transmitted disease; sadly, they are wrong.

Some STDs can be transmitted other than sexual contact. Now, let’s discuss some of those sexually transmitted diseases that a virgin can get.

STDs Not Sexually Transmitted

1. Hepatitis B

One of the most common ways a virgin can contract STD is through hepatitis B. Although sexual intercourse is a primary mode of transmission, persons without penetrative sex can also contract the virus if they get exposed to infected blood or needles. Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver and, if not treated, can result in other complications.

2. Cytomegalovirus

Another example of an STD that can be acquired by people who are not sexually active is the cytomegalovirus or CMV. This normal flu can be spread by direct contact, touching infected surfaces, sharing utensils, or even kissing.

In addition, CMV, normally is not deadly, but it may be particularly hazardous for pregnant women or those with weak immune systems. To prevent contracting the CMV virus, there is a need for proper hygiene, staying away from shareable items, and regular hand washing.

3. Human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that leads to the formation of genital warts or cervical cancer in women. Although intercourse is the main mode of transmission, HPV has also spread through skin-to-skin contact.

Those who have not been sexually active may contact through the skin or mucous membrane of an infected person and get infected as well. The HPV vaccine should be taken to minimize the chances of contracting the virus.

4. Molluscum contagiosum

Not many know about CRABS, otherwise known as Molluscum contagiosum. It is a form of viral skin diseases that can spread through skin contact but not through sexual contact. Crabs are an infection that results in the formation of small red pimple-like inflammation on the skin, and the area may be painful or itchy.

Molluscum contagiosum can easily be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or touching objects that have come in contact with the affected skin, such as clothing and towels.

This infection is not as dangerous as some other infections; however, it can be uncomfortable at times and will likely need to be treated.

How STDs can be contracted without sexual activity

Ignorantly, some people think that a virgin cannot have a sexually transmitted disease (STD). However, this is not entirely true. When most people hear of a virgin, they conclude that the person in question cannot possibly be infected with the STDs for the simple reason of having never had intimate relations.

However, there are several situations in which a virgin can still get the infections. To begin with, one needs to know that not all STDs can be contracted only through penetrative intercourse. It is also important to know that many STDs can be transmitted through other forms of sexual contact, such as oral, anal, or skin-on-skin contact.

If you are among those asking could a virgin have an STD, you need to know that herpes and HPV, for example, are viral infections that can be passed through genital contact even if the intercourse did not happen. As a result, a virgin who has taken part in oral sex or other forms of contact can be a victim of an STD.

For instance, when a person receives blood from a contaminated person with an STD, he or she stands a high chance of being infected by the disease. Moreover, contracting the STD can also occur through sharing needles with a person who has the said disease.

Also, a virgin could have an STD through vertical transmission. This happens when the disease is transmitted from an infected mother to her child through pregnancy or while giving birth. Some of the STDs passed from mother to child are HIV, syphilis, and herpes. This is the reason why prenatal care and testing for STDs are compulsory during pregnancy.

Another reason that may lead a virgin to get an STD is through the means of infected medical equipment. In other words, an individual can get a tattoo or piercing using equipment that was not sterilized, and he or she can end up a victim of diseases like hepatitis or HIV.

Sterilizing instruments like barbing clippers and tattoo machines (tattoo guns) can help keep you from contracting STDs while using public instruments. In addition, do not share items like shaving sticks or nail cutters, because if a person with an STD uses them, the possibility of contracting an STD even as a virgin is high.

Highlights

As mentioned earlier, a virgin can have an STD. It is therefore important to know the things that will help reduce the chances of getting infected. Anyone, even persons who are not sexually active, should undergo STD testing periodically. Some STDs do not have any symptoms; you can be infected without knowing it because no symptoms are present.

People who engage in drug use, tattooing, and body piercing should ensure that they use sterilized needles and other related implements. The use of needles and syringes by other people can lead to the transmission of diseases such as HIV or hepatitis.