Hey Dr Sue — Is Monkeypox An STD?

This is a bit complicated. Usually when we talk about Sexually Transmitted Infections, (STIs) we’re talking about diseases that are passed primarily through sexual activity. This includes diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

One of the things that we often don’t get into when we talk about STIs is what is considered “sexual activity.”

When it comes to STIs and how they’re transmitted, people usually think either vaginal intercourse and/or anal intercourse. But we also have to think about other sexual activities that may carry some risk.

This includes oral sex, touching someone else’s genitals, and sharing sex toys without cleaning them properly.

Some STIs can be spread in ways other than sexual activity. Some STIs can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. This is one of the reasons it’s important to do STI testing while you’re pregnant.

Herpes can be spread from skin to skin contact.

HIV can be spread through sharing needles.

So how does monkeypox fit in and why are some people calling it an STI?

Monkeypox is caused by a virus. It’s spread by lots of skin to skin contact and breathing really close to someone else for a period of time. Starting to see how we link it to sex?