Typically, STDs (also called STIs- sexually transmitted infections) are spread during vaginal, anal or oral sex. However, there are STDs such as HPV, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, and pubic lice that can be spread by direct skin-to-skin contact, fluids from the vagina or penis, or from an open sore with someone who has been infected. So, if your partner is infected with an STD and you have close sexual contact, it is in fact possible to get an STD.

If you’re having sexual contact, it’s important to know that you can lower your risk of infection by having sexual contact with just one partner who only has sexual contact with you. Using condoms every time you have sex gives you some protection, but they aren’t perfect. Condoms don’t cover a guy’s scrotum (the sack where the testicles are located), which can become infected with HPV.

The only way to completely prevent STDs is to abstain from all types of sexual contact.