How can you get a STD?

Just like HIV, you can get a STD from having unprotected sexual relations. With unprotected sex we mean :
  • Vaginal intercourse without a condom
  • Anal intercourse without a condom
  • Oral intercourse without a condom
Getting blood or semen in your mouth is also dangerous because it can bring HIV along with it.

There are also other ways of getting infected with an STD. HIV, Hepatitis B, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Herpes and Gonorrhea can also get passed along during pregnancy or at birth if the mother is infected. HIV and Hepatitis B can also be spread if more people use the same needle, which can be the case with drug use or with tattoo artists that don't do their job like they are supposed to.

How you can't get a STD

You can't get a STD if you drink from the same cup or us the same forks and spoons as someone that has a STD. Shaking someone's hands or giving a kiss will also not give you a STD. If you use the same toilet or go into a pool or sauna, you will also not be at risk of getting a STD.