Are Stds Only Sexually Transmitted?

STDs are sexually transmitted diseases. This means they are most often -- but not exclusively -- spread by sexual intercourse. HIV, chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, some forms of hepatitis, syphilis, and trichomoniasis are STDs.

Do STDs only occur sexually?

No STD is harmless. Myth: You can catch an STD from a toilet seat, telephone or other object used by an infected person. Fact: STDs are transmitted by vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Can you have an STD if you've never been sexually active?

Can you get an STD from someone who has never had sex or has never been sexually active? It is very unlikely, but possible. Some people, for example, are born with HIV, which they can pass to other people later in life when they start having sex.