Can STIs be transmitted through razors?
STIs

Can STIs be transmitted through razors?

Anna

Written by

Anna Roell
23 July, 2025

Medically checked article All HOMED-IQ content is reviewed by medical specialists

Sharing everyday items is perfectly normal for many people – especially in relationships or shared households. A common example is the razor. But what happens when you share it with someone else? Is there a risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? In this blog article, you’ll find out whether STIs can be transmitted via razors, which infections are relevant, and how you can best protect yourself.


Table of contents


What are STIs?

STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are infectious diseases that are most commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. The most common STIs include:

Some STIs can remain asymptomatic for a long time but, if left untreated, may lead to serious health consequences – such as infertility or chronic inflammation (WHO, 2025).

How are STIs transmitted?

Transmission mainly occurs through:

  • Vaginal, anal, or oral sex
  • Bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, or blood
  • Skin-to-skin contact with certain infections such as herpes or HPV

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2023

Can a razor transmit STIs?

In principle, yes – but the risk is very unlikely in everyday life and depends heavily on the pathogen. A razor can cause small skin injuries that may leave traces of blood. If these are not thoroughly cleaned and another person uses the same razor, there is a potential risk – particularly with infections that are transmitted through blood, such as HIV and hepatitis B (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).

Which pathogens are particularly risky?

The greatest danger comes from viruses that can be transmitted through blood or bodily fluids:

PathogenTransmission routeSurvival outside the body
Hepatitis BBlood, bodily fluidsUp to 7 days
HIVBlood, semenOnly under specific conditions for hours to days – e.g. in moist, sealed environments or in used syringes. In everyday situations, bodily fluids dry quickly, rendering the virus inactive.

Note: The transmission of other common STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or genital herpes typically occurs through direct mucosal contact during sex – not through razor blades or blood. The likelihood of transmission via razors for these pathogens is extremely low to non-existent (Infektionsschutz, 2024RKI, 2025).

What conditions influence the risk of transmission?

Whether a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is actually transmitted through a shared razor depends on several factors. The following conditions may increase or decrease the risk:

The risk increases when:

  • The razor is used immediately after being used by an infected person.
  • Visible or microscopic blood is present on the razor.
  • Both individuals suffer small cuts or skin injuries while shaving.
  • Hygiene is poor (e.g. no cleaning or disinfection after use).
  • The infection is caused by bloodborne pathogens (e.g. hepatitis B, HIV).
  • The infected person has a high viral load – the more viruses in the blood, the higher the risk of transmission.

The risk decreases when:

  • The razor has been thoroughly cleaned or disinfected.
  • Several hours or days pass between uses (many viruses survive only briefly outside the body).
  • There are no traces of blood or open wounds.
  • The person sharing the razor does not carry an infection.
  • A disposable razor is used only once and then thrown away.

STI transmission via razors is therefore not impossible – but it is only realistically conceivable under specific conditions. Especially for bloodborne pathogens, transmission can occur in rare cases under unfavorable circumstances. That’s why it is important to take these risks seriously, even if the probability is low (WHO, 2015CDC, 2025).

How to disinfect a razor properly?

To reduce the risk even further:

  • Rinse the razor thoroughly under hot running water
  • Disinfect the blade using 70% isopropyl alcohol or boiling water (carefully, if the material allows)
  • Let it air dry completely before reuse
  • For shared bathrooms: store razors in a dry, closed container to avoid cross-contamination

Still, for optimal safety and hygiene, razors should be considered personal items and not shared.

When is an STI test advisable?

An STI test is recommended in the following situations:

  • If you recently shared a razor with someone who is known to have a hepatitis or HIV infection.
  • If you had unprotected sex with a new partner.
  • If you notice symptoms such as burning during urination, unusual discharge, or skin changes in the genital area.

You can test for HIV from 2 weeks after exposure, but results are most reliable after 6 weeks. For hepatitis B, testing is possible from 4 weeks, with the most accurate results after 6 to 8 weeks.

With an at-home STI test from Homed-IQ – such as the HIV test or hepatitis B test – you can test yourself easily and discreetly at home. The samples are analyzed in certified laboratories, and the results are made available to you securely online.

References

Antworten auf häufig gestellte Fragen zu HIV und AIDS. (n.d.). RKI. Retrieved July 16, 2025, from https://www.rki.de/SharedDocs/FAQs/DE/HIVAids/FAQ-Liste.html

Hepatitis B. (n.d.). Infektionsschutz.de. Retrieved July 16, 2025, from https://www.infektionsschutz.de/erregersteckbriefe/hepatitis-b/

Hepatitis B Basics | Hepatitis B. (n.d.). CDC. Retrieved July 16, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/bfaq.htm

Torgovnik, J. (2025, May 29). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). World Health Organization (WHO). Retrieved July 16, 2025, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)

Anna

About the author

Anna Roell

Anna is a psychologist with a clinical background and a qualified nurse. She combines in-depth practical expertise with a strong scientific interest. Her focus is on health education—making medical knowledge both accurate and easy to understand. "Clear and accessible health communication is one of the key foundations to inspire behavioral change and to empower people to make better health decisions." – Anna