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Question
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Can you tell from visual inspection whether someone has a sexually transmitted disease?
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Answer
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While I am all for couples "playing doctor," remember that this is playing. There is absolutely no way you can
know for sure that someone is free from a sexually transmitted disease (STD) just by examining their penis or vagina.
With that said though, if you see obvious sores, blisters, or discharge on or deriving from the genital area,
the person probably has something. But even if the person appears totally healthy, they may still have an STD. That
is why health professionals recommend what is known as "universal precautions." In essence, until you know otherwise,
you should work on the assumption that anyone might have an STD. Universal precautions are guidelines to help to
prevent the spread of infection. Infectious diseases are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi, and can
be spread from person to person through blood and other body secretions including sexual contact. This is why
"safer sex," sexual activities that do not involve the exchange of bodily fluids, is so important. If you could tell
whether or not somebody has an STD by simply looking at someone, then the number of reported cases would likely be lower.
My advice is to keep your eyes wide open but also consistently
practice safer sex to keep yourself sexually
healthy. And, remember, despite the possibility of picking up an STD along the way, safer sex can still be very fun.
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Best,
Dr. Sandor Gardos
MyPleasure provides up-to-date and useful sexual education materials in combination
with a store that allows people to buy, try, and learn about new aspects of
sexuality. We believe everybody deserves a great sex life.
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