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What are the transmission routes of sexually transmitted diseases?

Dec 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
The transmission routes of sexually transmitted diseases generally include sexual contact, blood transmission, mother-to-child vertical transmission, indirect contact transmission, and iatrogenic transmission. Sexual intercourse is the primary mode of transmission for STDs, including vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, and oral sex. During sexual activity, direct contact between skin and mucous membranes may lead to the exchange of pathogens, resulting in infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites.

Syphilis transmission routes generally include sexual contact transmission, blood-borne transmission, mother-to-child vertical transmission, indirect contact transmission, and iatrogenic transmission. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Sexual contact transmission: Sexual activity is the primary mode of sexually transmitted disease (STD) transmission, including vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, and oral sex. During sexual activity, direct contact between skin and mucous membranes may lead to exchange of pathogens, resulting in viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections.

2. Blood-borne transmission: STDs can be transmitted through sharing syringes, blood transfusions, or using unsterilized medical instruments. For example, when individuals share needles for drug injection, pathogens present in residual blood can enter the body of a healthy person via the needle.

3. Mother-to-child vertical transmission: Pregnant women infected with STDs may transmit pathogens to their fetuses or infants during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. For instance, Treponema pallidum (the causative agent of syphilis) can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, while HIV can be transmitted through breast milk.

4. Indirect contact transmission: Infection may occur through contact with items contaminated by pathogens, such as towels, clothing, or toilet seats. This type of transmission requires conditions that allow pathogen survival and often involves broken skin or damaged mucous membranes.

5. Iatrogenic transmission: Inadequate sterilization or reuse of medical instruments during healthcare procedures may lead to cross-infection. For example, surgical instruments that are not strictly sterilized may transmit hepatitis B virus or human papillomavirus (HPV).

To prevent STDs, it is important to maintain a single sexual partner, use condoms correctly, avoid sharing personal items, seek medical care only at正规 medical institutions, undergo regular health check-ups, and promptly consult a doctor if any abnormal symptoms appear.

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