Yes. Many sexually transmitted infections don’t rely on cum (ejaculate) to pass from person to person, so you can exchange STIs even if no one cums. While it’s true that cum can carry STIs, there are other STI transmission factors at play during vaginal, anal and oral sex, including:
- skin-to-skin contact
- vaginal fluid (natural lubrication in the vagina)
- anal fluid (natural lubrication in the bum)
- pre-cum (natural lubrication in the penis before ejaculation)
- sores on or near the genitals
This is why “pulling out” before ejaculation is not an effective way to prevent STIs. Fortunately, many factors listed above can effectively addressed by using condoms or sex dams regularly. Different kinds of sex have different degrees of transmission possibility, so you can also choose sex that has less common STI transmission.
Lastly, whether it’s vaginal, anal or oral sex, another prevention tool we recommend is routine testing. STI testing is the only way to know if you have STIs or not, and is the only way to get treated. Knowing your STI status can help you make informed decisions about the prevention methods that are right for you, and prevent you from passing an infection to a sex partner without even realizing it. Regular STI testing (for all partners) can also help you make the decision when you don’t need to use these protection methods.
Feel free to book a testing appointment at Nine Circles, or the clinic or doctor that you see for your regular health care.
