Yes, it’s possible to get an STI without having sex — here’s how

While sex is built into the very definition of an STI, experts caution that it is possible to contract one without getting it on.

Sexually transmitted infections — which affect 1 in 5 Americans — are most commonly found on the genitals, anus and mouth.

According to last year’s data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, STI rates are on the rise, putting millions of people’s lives at risk from entirely preventable infections.

“STIs must be a public health priority,” the CDC warned.

The health agency noted that “the most alarming concerns” revolve around syphilis cases — which are at the highest level they’ve been in more than seven decades.

Distressingly, syphilis is among the number of STIs you can contract without having intercourse.

“Yes, it’s possible to get an STI without having penetrative sex. Herpes, syphilis and HPV can all be passed via skin-to-skin contact with an infected area of the body,” Olivia Cassano of Evvy, a company that offers vaginal health services, including at-home microbiome tests, clinical care and coaching, told The Post.

Skin-to-skin transmissions also include sharing bodily fluids through actions like mutual masturbation.

Cassano noted that in addition to skin-to-skin contact, STIs can be transmitted via oral sex. Specifically, both gonorrhea and chlamydia can infect the throat.

Both infections can also infect the eyes, which contain mucous membranes that STIs can easily invade.

Bacteria from gonorrhea and chlamydia can infect the eyes through direct contact with semen or vaginal discharge from an infected person — or a person rubs their eyes after touching infected genital areas.

Another STI eye infection is ocular syphilis, which develops when the Treponema pallidum bacterium enters the body, usually through sexual contact.

“Penetrative sex isn’t the only way to catch an STI, so it’s best to inform yourself and be prepared before any kind of sexual contact,” warned Cassano.

She urged the orally active to use dental dams as a preventative measure.

Cassano explained that while the vast majority of STIs are transmitted via some form of sexual contact, caution should be used when using or sharing razors, needles and sex toys.

According to Evvy, “Infections like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C can also be spread through sharing needles or other equipment that comes into contact with infected blood, like during intravenous drug use or through unsterilized tattoo needles.” 

In addition, Cassano explained that STIs can be transmitted to a baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.

She stressed the importance of consistent condom use for sexually active people.

How to further guard against contracting or spreading an STI? “Have open communication with sexual partners and get regular STI screenings!” she urged.

According to Universal Drugstore‘s “Sexual Health Index,” certain states are hotspots for STIs.

Mississippi, for one, was ranked as the “worst affected” by sexually transmitted infections, with one of the highest chlamydia rates in the nation of 700 cases per 100,000 people.

HIV is most prevalent in Georgia, with 23.1 cases per 100,000 residents, a figure that is more than double the national average. On the other hand, Minnesota has the fewest HIV cases, with only 4.5 per 100,000 people.