Some STIs or sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted even without penetration or sexual intercourse.
Infections like genital warts, genital herpes, syphilis and molluscum contagiosum can spread by direct contact with the affected skin. If there is skin to skin contact with the affected skin, you can acquire these infections. You can also catch pubic lice through skin to skin contact without penetration or sexual intercourse.
Unprotected oral sex can also transmit infections like viral warts, genital herpes and gonorrhoea. Even HIV can spread through unprotected oral sex, although the risk is lower than vaginal intercourse.
It is important to minimize the spread of STIs by avoiding sexual contact with high risk individuals, and minimize the number or sexual partners, and always use protection such as condoms.
