Are you at risk of STIs if you and your partner are virgins?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be quite tormenting for sexually active individuals. More so because you can never be too careful. It can cause discomforting symptoms and affect different parts of the body, which is what makes it concerning. Each and everyone, especially those who have had any sort of sexual contact, is prone to it. But the question is: Are people who are virgins at risk of STIs too? Let us find out.

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First and foremost, let's understand the varying definitions of 'virginity'.

For some people, being a virgin describes anyone who has had sexual intercourse. Vaginal and anal penetration is what defines breaking virginity to some. On the other hand, virginity also means never being in any sort of sexual contact, whether penetrative, oral or otherwise.

Irrespective of what your medium of sexual activity is, STIs can be prevalent as long as you are sexually active.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can spread from person to person through skin-to-skin contact. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is spread predominantly by unprotected sexual contact. This primarily includes penetrative sex. The UK National Health Services (NHS) shares that penetrative anal sex has a higher risk of spreading STIs than many other types of sexual activity. This happens because the lining of the anus is thin and can be easily damaged, which makes it more vulnerable to infection, explains the health body.

The most common and curable STIs are trichomonas, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, according to WHO.

Of the many, viral STIs including HIV, genital herpes simplex virus (HSV), viral hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV) and human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) lack or have limited treatment options, shares the global health organization.

It is important to note that STIs are not just spread through penetrative sex. VeryWell Health reports that STIs such as oral herpes can also be transmitted through oral sex. It may be in the saliva in your mouth after you kiss a family member or share eating and drinking utensils, the health site shared, quoting the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There are several ways to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections. While it does not guarantee prevention, it can surely minimize your risk. Here are some steps to take.

- Practice safe sex by using a condom for both vaginal and anal sex and dental dams for oral sex.

- Discuss your sexual history with your partner, even if it wasn't penetrative.

- Get tested for STIs regularly, particular if you are seeing multiple partners.

- Get vaccinated for HPV and hepatitis B.