With so many sexually transmitted diseases being spread from partner to partner because of the acceptableness of having multiple sex partners throughout life, more and more people are choosing safe sex or abstinence.
Not only is there the serious risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS by having sex with someone, who has a disease, with the increase in cases of CA-MRSA (Community Acquired), those who are sexually active with people at risk for MRSA are wondering if this bacterial infection is transmitted through sex. (What to Do If You Contract a MRSA Infection?)
MRSA isn’t commonly transmitted through sexual contact, but it can be, depending on the location of the infection and it takes more than a condom to protect from MRSA during sex. (Sex spreads MRSA infection – USATODAY.com)
Bacterial Spread And Sexual Contact
During sexual contact there is often intimate contact with a partner in addition to contact with bedding and clothing. When a person has been diagnosed with MRSA it can be a localized infection or it can be from an infection that has spread throughout the body to organs and even has infected the blood.
With a healthy person the good bacteria that are also part of the natural skin flora will keep the harmful bacteria in check. When illness, medical treatments, antibiotics, or even excessive use of anti-bacterial products cause good bacteria to be destroyed, the harmful bacteria will thrive and cause illness.
Spread Of MRSA During Sex
MRSA is spread during sex with contact with the following:
- Infected rash, sore, abrasion, cut, etc. on skin
- Fluid from an infected boil, carbuncle, or abscess
- Clothing or surfaces that the bacteria came in contact with
- Bedding and towels used by an infected person
- Infections on genitals
- Oral MRSA infections
Partners of people with MRSA can still enjoy sexual contact and intimacy by taking some precautions.
Preventing The Spread During Sex
Following guidelines for preventing the spread of MRSA (MRSA Guide: Preventing) will keep the bacteria from spreading from an infected partner to an uninfected partner. One of the best ways to prevent the spread of the bacteria is for the uninfected person to have a strong immune system and the person infected should be in treatment with a healthcare professional. Other ways to prevent the spread of this type of infection includes the following:
- Avoid direct contact with infected area
- Cover all abrasions and breaks in the skin
- Have any suspicious skin infection looked at by a doctor
- Abstain when the infection is on gentiles
Commonly this type of infection is not spread through sexual contact. MRSA is not considered a sexually transmitted disease because it is spread in so many other ways.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases And MRSA
Sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s – cdc.gov) are diseases that are commonly spread through intimate contact. These diseases may also be spread from mother to baby during birth. Though MRSA can be spread during sexual contact, it is commonly spread other ways. This bacterial infection is highly contagious and the bacteria are extremely adaptable and highly resilient. It can be spread in medical facilities and in the community. It can be through direct or indirect contact.
STD’s are spread through direct contact with bodily fluids associated with sexual contact, including oral sex.
It can be safe to have sex with someone with MRSA especially if the precautions are followed. Additional, talking to a doctor about more ways to prevent the spread would be helpful. Last but not lease, being aware of symptoms of MRSA will allow it to be even safer to have sex with someone with this type of bacterial infection.