Can you have an STI if you haven't had sex?

Yes, it is possible in some cases, though it's uncommon.

Most STIs are passed through sexual contact, which includes oral sex, vaginal sex, and anal sex. But some can be transmitted in other ways too.

Herpes (cold sores) can be passed through kissing. If someone with a cold sore on their mouth performs oral sex, they can pass herpes to their partner's genitals. You might not even realise a cold sore is an STI, but it's caused by the same type of virus.

HPV (human papillomavirus) can be passed through skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, which doesn't necessarily involve penetrative sex.

Some infections like HIV and hepatitis B can be passed from a mother to her baby during birth.

It's also worth thinking about what "had sex" means to you. If you've had oral sex or intimate skin-to-skin contact but don't consider that "sex," you could still have been exposed to an STI without realising it.

If you're worried, getting tested is easy, free, and confidential at any sexual health clinic.

Yes, it is possible to have an STI even if you have not had sex, though it is not common.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus. They can be passed on through kissing. If someone with a cold sore gives oral sex, they can pass herpes to someone's genitals.

HPV can be passed through skin touching skin in the genital area, without full sex happening.

Some infections like HIV can be passed from a mother to her baby during birth.

It also depends on what you count as sex. If you have had oral sex or close genital contact, you could have been exposed to an STI without realising.

If you are worried, getting tested is free and private at any sexual health clinic.