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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) often raise concerns – especially when it comes to how they can be transmitted in everyday life. While unprotected sexual intercourse is known as the most common source of infection, many people wonder whether shared towels or bed linens might also pose a risk.
In this article, you will learn how STIs are typically transmitted, how long pathogens can survive outside the body, and which hygiene measures in daily life actually make sense.
Table of contents
- How are STIs usually transmitted?
- How long do STI pathogens survive outside the body?
- Are there exceptions or special cases?
- How can you protect yourself in everyday life?
- When is an STI test useful?
How are STIs usually transmitted?
STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact. They are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites – depending on the type of pathogen, the infection can cause different symptoms or even remain unnoticed (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). Infection usually occurs through close physical contact, especially during sex. Not only sexual intercourse itself poses a risk, but also contact with infected bodily fluids or skin.
Typical transmission routes at a glance:
- Mucous membrane contact: Pathogens enter the body through contact with mucous membranes – for example, in the vagina, penis, anus, mouth, or throat. Mucous membranes are particularly permeable and provide direct access for pathogens.
- Bodily fluids: Many STIs are transmitted through fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, menstrual blood, or, more rarely, saliva or breast milk. Unprotected sexual acts involving ejaculation into the vagina, anus, or mouth are particularly infectious.
- Skin-to-skin contact: Some STIs such as genital herpes, HPV, or syphilis can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected skin or mucous membrane changes (such as blisters or warts) – even without penetration of the penis into the vagina or anus.
- Shared objects: Sex toys can also be a transmission route if used by multiple people without being cleaned or covered with a new condom in between.
- Mother-to-child transmission: Some infections, such as HIV or syphilis, can be passed on to the child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Source: Mayo Clinic, 2023
Important: Many STIs initially occur without symptoms. Therefore, an infected person may unknowingly be contagious. Regular testing helps detect infections early – even if you feel healthy.
How long do STI pathogens survive outside the body?
Most STI pathogens require moist mucous membranes or open wounds to cause an infection. On dry textiles such as towels or bed sheets, the survival conditions are very poor. Therefore, transmission via such objects is extremely unlikely.
Moisture, warmth, and certain materials may promote the survival of some pathogens – but the risk of transmission via textiles remains very low.
| STI pathogen | Pathogen type | Survival time outside the body | Transmission risk via textiles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | Bacteria | a few minutes to max. 2 hours | very low |
| Gonorrhoea | Bacteria | max. 1–2 hours | very low |
| Herpes simplex virus | Virus | several hours under moist conditions | low |
| Human papillomavirus | Virus | several days (barely infectious) | practically no risk |
| Syphilis | Bacteria | very sensitive, dies quickly | very low |
| HIV | Virus | a few minutes | no risk via textiles |
| Trichomoniasis | Parasite | up to 24 hours in moist environments | low with moist textiles |
Are there exceptions or special cases?
In rare cases, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections via moist or consecutively used textiles cannot be completely ruled out – especially if these come into direct contact with mucous membranes. This particularly applies to materials such as washcloths, towels, or damp underwear that are used directly after an infected person.
Possible special cases:
- Trichomoniasis: The parasite Trichomonas vaginalis can survive in a moist, warm environment for up to 24 hours. Transmission via shared washcloths or towels is therefore theoretically possible – if used directly after an infected person.
- Herpes simplex virus: Herpes viruses are only short-lived outside the body. Under moist conditions (e.g., a wet cloth that came into contact with fluid from an infectious blister), the virus may remain briefly infectious.
- Pubic lice: These parasites can be transmitted via clothing, bedding, or towels – especially if these were in direct contact with the genital area.
- Scabies: Not a classic STI, but transmissible through close skin contact or shared textiles – especially in moist or dense fabrics (e.g., blankets, upholstered furniture).
These forms of transmission are rare but occur more often under poor hygiene conditions or in close living arrangements (e.g., shared flats, care facilities, or family households). Good personal hygiene and separate use of intimate hygiene items are especially important in such cases (Mayo Clinic, 2025).
How can you protect yourself in everyday life?
With simple hygiene rules at home, you can effectively protect yourself and others – even in shared spaces or while traveling.
Recommended measures:
- Only use personal towels and washcloths
- Change bed linens regularly, especially after infections or heavy sweating
- Wash textiles at a minimum of 60 °C
- Use separate hygiene products in case of intimate infections
Source: RIVM, 2024
When is an STI test useful?
A test for sexually transmitted infections is not only useful when you have symptoms. Many STIs are initially asymptomatic, but can still be transmitted to others or cause health problems if left untreated.
An STI test is recommended in the following situations:
- After unprotected sex with a new or changing partner
- If you or your partner already have a known STI
- When experiencing symptoms like discharge, itching, burning during urination, skin changes, or pain in the genital area
- If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
- Before starting a new sexual relationship
- After a risk situation, such as a broken condom
- Regularly if you have frequent changes in sexual partners – even without symptoms
Early detection protects both you and others. Thanks to modern lab tests, many STIs can be detected and treated effectively at an early stage – often before symptoms appear. With a home test from Homed-IQ, you can get tested discreetly, reliably, and conveniently from home.
References
About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) | STI. (2024, March 25). CDC. Retrieved July 21, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/index.html
Hygiene guidelines for sex businesses and sex workers. (2019, April 29). RIVM. Retrieved July 21, 2025, from https://www.rivm.nl/en/hygiene-guidelines-sex-businesses-sex-workers
Myths & Facts about STIs | DSC Clinic – Department of STI Control Singapore. (2025, February 10). National Skin Centre. Retrieved July 21, 2025, from https://www.nsc.com.sg/dsc/prevention-education/sexually-transmitted-infection/Pages/Myths-and-Facts-about-STIs.aspx
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – Symptoms and causes. (2023, September 8). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 21, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved July 21, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9138-sexually-transmitted-diseases–infections-stds–stis
