How do you get an STD?

One of the most frequent questions in the STD communities is about "I did this, can I get that?"

Here are ways you can get an std:

*  performing oral sex

*  receiving oral sex

*  rubbing genitals together

*  sharing sex toys (if they have been cleaned, or not used in awhile, this is not a concern)

*  vaginal intercourse

*  anal intercourse

Here are ways you can't get an std:

*  sharing a glass or drink, an eating utensil, etc. with someone who has one

*  sharing chap stick or other lip balms, lipsticks, etc.

*  toilet seats

*  hugging

*  kissing

*  masturbation by yourself

*  mutual masturbation (ie, hand jobs, fingering someone else)

*  dry humping when at least one person has clothes on (even if you are stripped down to your undies or its a lap dance)

*  licking or sucking nipples

There are others, and I am sure I will be adding to this list.

Now, I am sure someone will ask me about oral herpes (hsv1).  You can transmit hsv1 by kissing, sharing utensils, glasses, chap sticks/lip stuff, etc.  However, that's not considered an std in this way.  When hsv1 is transmitted from someone's mouth to someone else's genitals, that's could be considered an std.  It really doesn't make a difference though.  Its just in how you choose to word it.

Feel free to add to this list if I have forgotten anything.  (Please do not ask me specific questions about your situation here though.  That's appropriate to post on our forums.)

As always, if you are concerned about having an std, please get tested.  No one, even a doctor, can diagnose you over the internet no matter how badly you want them to.  

And use condoms!!

Aj