Can You Get an STD if Both Partners Have No STDs?

When it comes to sexual health, one of the most common questions patients ask is: “Can you get an STD if both partners have no STDs?” The short answer is: No, if both partners are truly free of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), then transmission cannot occur. However, the reality is more complex. Many STIs can be asymptomatic, meaning you may not know you have one without proper testing. That’s why this question deserves a deeper, evidence-based explanation.

As a family nurse practitioner, I’ve counseled many patients on this exact concern. In this article, we’ll explore the facts about STD transmission, testing limitations, and how to protect yourself and your partner.

Understanding STDs and STIs

First, let’s clarify terms:

• STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease): Refers to infections that cause noticeable symptoms like sores, discharge, or pain.

• STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection): Refers to the presence of infection, even without symptoms.

In healthcare today, we often prefer STI because not every infection progresses to disease. But both terms are often used interchangeably.

Can You Get an STD if Both Partners Have No STDs?

If both partners are completely free of infections, then no transmission can occur. But here’s the issue:

• Many people assume they’re negative without recent testing.

• Some infections can stay dormant or asymptomatic for years (like HPV or herpes).

• Tests for certain STIs (such as herpes) are not part of routine screenings unless specifically requested.

So, while it’s technically impossible to get an STD if both are infection-free, it’s very possible for one partner to have an undiagnosed infection and unknowingly transmit it.

Can You Have an STD and Not Pass It On?

Yes — it depends on the type of infection. For example:

• HPV: Some strains may clear on their own without transmission.

• Herpes: Transmission risk is lower when no sores are present but still possible.

• HIV: With proper treatment (undetectable viral load), the risk of transmission is nearly zero.

So, while it’s possible to have an STD and not pass it on every time, the risk is never zero without treatment or protection.

Can You Get an STD with One Partner?

Absolutely. Even if you’re in a monogamous relationship, you could still contract an STD if:

• One partner had a prior infection they didn’t know about.

• Either partner was not tested before starting the relationship.

• The infection remained dormant or symptom-free.

This is why testing before entering a committed relationship is one of the best preventive steps you can take.

Can You Get an STD if Both Partners Are Virgins?

This is a very common concern. Let’s break it down:

• Could a virgin have an STD? Yes, but rarely. Some infections (like herpes or HPV) can be passed through non-sexual contact, including skin-to-skin touch or oral-genital contact.

• Can a virgin have HIV, gonorrhea, or chlamydia? These are highly unlikely without sexual contact, but mother-to-child transmission at birth is possible.

So while the risk is low, it’s not zero. That’s why virgins can technically have an STD, but in most cases, they don’t.

Why Testing Matters

The only way to know for sure if both partners are STD-free is through comprehensive testing. Relying on “I don’t have symptoms” is not enough.

Common STIs That Can Be Asymptomatic:

• Chlamydia (up to 70% of women, 50% of men show no symptoms)

• Gonorrhea

• HPV (most people don’t know they have it)

• Herpes (can remain dormant for years)

• HIV (early symptoms may mimic the flu or be absent)

Routine sexual health screenings should include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, and in some cases, hepatitis and herpes, depending on your risk factors.

How Do You Know If You Have an STD?

Ask yourself:

• Have you or your partner ever been tested?

• Were the tests recent? (within the last 6–12 months)

• Did the tests include all major STIs?

If you answered “no” to any of these, it’s possible that one of you could have an undiagnosed infection.

Can You Get an STD Without Intercourse?

Yes. Some STDs don’t require intercourse to spread:

• Herpes – skin-to-skin contact, even without penetration.

• HPV – can spread through intimate skin contact.

• Syphilis – transmitted through sores during kissing or oral sex.

This is why condoms, while very effective, don’t cover all areas of skin-to-skin contact.

Preventing STDs in Monogamous Relationships

If you and your partner want peace of mind, follow these steps:

1. Get tested together before starting unprotected sex.

2. Communicate openly about past partners and risk factors.

3. Repeat testing annually or if either partner has new symptoms.

4. Consider vaccination for HPV and hepatitis B.

5. Practice safe sex until both are cleared.

Expert Commentary: Oluwakemi Balogun (Kemi) CRNP, FNP-BC, MSN

“As a healthcare provider, I often see couples who are surprised when one partner tests positive for an STI despite believing they were both negative. This highlights the importance of regular testing, honest conversations, and recognizing that not all infections show symptoms. The best protection is knowledge — and that comes through screening and open communication.”

Key Takeaways

• No STD = No transmission. But testing is the only way to know for sure.

• STDs can be asymptomatic for months or years.

• Yes, virgins can rarely have STDs, usually from non-sexual transmission or birth.

• Monogamy doesn’t equal safety without testing.

• Regular screening and communication are the foundation of sexual health.

Disclaimer: This is informational content, not a substitute for professional medical advice.