Quick Answer
Yes, you can spread certain STIs to other parts of your own body — mostly herpes (touching a sore then your eye or mouth) and molluscum contagiosum (scratching bumps spreads them). Thorough handwashing after touching affected areas prevents this.
- Herpes: touching a cold sore then your eye can cause herpetic keratitis — a serious eye infection.
- Molluscum: scratching bumps spreads the virus to surrounding skin in a line pattern.
- HPV: self-inoculation to different genital sites is possible but uncommon.
- Scabies: scratching spreads mites to new body areas.
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Self-inoculation requires live virus transfer from one site to another via hands or contact. Handwashing between touching affected and unaffected areas is the single most effective prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you give yourself an std?
Yes, you can spread certain STIs to other parts of your own body — mostly herpes (touching a sore then your eye or mouth) and molluscum contagiosum (scratching bumps spreads them). Thorough handwashing after touching affected areas prevents this.
Can you give yourself an sti?
Yes, you can spread certain STIs to other parts of your own body — mostly herpes (touching a sore then your eye or mouth) and molluscum contagiosum (scratching bumps spreads them). Thorough handwashing after touching affected areas prevents this.
Can you give yourself a sexually transmitted disease?
Yes, you can spread certain STIs to other parts of your own body — mostly herpes (touching a sore then your eye or mouth) and molluscum contagiosum (scratching bumps spreads them). Thorough handwashing after touching affected areas prevents this.
Can you give yourself a std?
Yes, you can spread certain STIs to other parts of your own body — mostly herpes (touching a sore then your eye or mouth) and molluscum contagiosum (scratching bumps spreads them). Thorough handwashing after touching affected areas prevents this.
Can you give yourself a sti?
Yes, you can spread certain STIs to other parts of your own body — mostly herpes (touching a sore then your eye or mouth) and molluscum contagiosum (scratching bumps spreads them). Thorough handwashing after touching affected areas prevents this.
Can you give yourself stds?
Yes, you can spread certain STIs to other parts of your own body — mostly herpes (touching a sore then your eye or mouth) and molluscum contagiosum (scratching bumps spreads them). Thorough handwashing after touching affected areas prevents this.
Related Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- CDC — Sexually Transmitted Infections
- CDC STI Treatment Guidelines
- WHO — Sexually transmitted infections fact sheet
- MedlinePlus — Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Figures reflect CDC surveillance and WHO estimates; they are population statistics, not personal risk predictions.