Four ways you can catch sexually transmitted infections without even having sex

If you thought that practising safe sex and even abstinence keeps you away from sexually transmitted infections and serious diseases then you’re in for a nasty surprise. The thing is that you don’t need to actually have sex to contract an STI. Yes, we are serious about this.

In fact, there are multiple ways by which we can be struck by an STI without having any action between the sheets. Some of them are so commonplace yet unusual that you’ll be shocked after finding out. Here are the top ways listed by Health Express that you need to be careful about in the future:

Lying in tanning beds

Sun beds offer a warm, moist environment, which makes it just too easy for naked bodies to catch dangerous infections like herpes and genital warts. So ensure that you go to a decent salon that properly cleans tanning beds between each client or simply head to the beach the next time you want some colour.

Touching beards

In rare cases, pubic lice (crabs), scabies and herpes can be caught in beards. This is even more likely if the bearded person has had oral sex with an infected partner. Be careful the next time you hang out with that friend who prefers to keep their facial hair.

Sharing razors

Anyone who practices basic hygiene knows that items like razors and toothbrushes are meant for exclusive use. Otherwise, you are putting yourself at risk for infections like herpes and HPV. This is because getting nicks and cuts during shaving make it dangerously possible for you to get something like herpes and HPV.

Waxing

No, don’t cancel your salon session just yet. In fact, contracting an STI via waxing is pretty rare. Experts simply advise postponing your waxing appointment if you have broken or irritated skin to be safe.