References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
If both partners have never had any form of sexual contact with anyone else, the risk of STIs from sex with each other is very low. However, “virginity” is defined differently by different people, and some infections can be acquired without penetrative sex. Understanding the nuances helps you make informed decisions.
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When Risk Is Essentially Zero
If neither partner has ever had any sexual contact with anyone else — no oral sex, no genital touching, no kissing during cold sore outbreaks — the chance of either carrying an STI from those activities is zero.
When Some Risk Exists
| Situation | Possible Infections |
|---|---|
| Either had oral sex previously | Oral HSV-1, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HPV |
| HSV-1 from childhood kissing | Cold sores — can transfer to genitals |
| Mother-to-child at birth | HIV, hepatitis B, herpes (rare) |
| Injecting drug use | HIV, hepatitis B and C |
| Blood transfusion before screening | HIV, hepatitis B and C (very rare in UK now) |
The HSV-1 Factor
Most adults carry HSV-1 (oral herpes) from childhood. This can transfer to genitals during oral sex, making genital HSV-1 possible even between two people who consider themselves virgins.
What If One Partner Has Had Previous Contact?
If either partner has had any sexual contact with anyone else — even just oral sex — standard STI testing is worthwhile before assuming you’re both “clear.”
What to Do
- Have an honest conversation about past experience
- Test together if there’s any uncertainty
- Use condoms until you’re both tested and confirmed clear
- Don’t assume — testing provides certainty
Read more: Can virgins have STIs? | STIs without sex | Asking about testing
Frequently Asked Questions
If we’re both virgins, do we need condoms?
For STI prevention, not strictly. For pregnancy prevention, yes.
Can you have an STI without ever having sex?
Some infections can be acquired non-sexually.
Should we test anyway?
If there’s any doubt or either has had any oral or genital contact with others, yes.
Related reading
- Can You Catch an STI From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Get Chlamydia From Kissing?
- Can You Get Herpes From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Get Herpes From Kissing?
- Can You Catch Pubic Lice Without Being Sexually Active?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
