It can be fun to think about trying on a bathing suit, especially when you’re getting ready for a vacation or a day at the beach.
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But have you ever stopped to think if it’s really safe?
Could doing something as normal as trying on swimsuits in a fitting room make you more likely to get an STD?
It may seem strange to ask this question, but a lot of people do.
Can you get an STD while trying on bathing suits? Let’s find out
Can You Get Std from Trying on Bathing Suits?
While the chances of getting an STD from trying on bathing suits are extremely low, it’s still important to be cautious. Most STDs spread through direct contact, involving sexual activity or bodily fluids, but some STDs, like pubic lice or scabies, can potentially spread through contaminated objects, including swimsuits.
Though rare, these infections can survive on fabric for a short period, and in such cases, transmission could occur. That’s why it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Wearing underwear while trying on swimsuits and ensuring the garment is clean before use is a simple precaution to protect yourself.
How to Not Get STD from Trying on Bathing Suit
It is very unlikely that you will get an STD from trying on bathing suits. However, you can still protect yourself from getting less common infections by practicing good hygiene. Here are some precautions to consider.
1. Wear underwear when you try on bathing suits
When trying on a bathing suit, always wear underwear. This is the best way to keep yourself from getting bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Putting on a layer of protection between your skin and the suit can keep you from coming into direct contact with the fabric.
This lowers your risk of getting infections like scabies or pubic lice, which can be spread through dirty materials.
2. Choose swimsuit with protective liner
A lot of swimsuits, especially ones you can buy in stores, come with underwear that keeps you clean. They are made of thin, plastic-like materials that go around the crotch and keep your skin from touching the swimsuit.
When you try on the suit, make sure that this liner is still in place. If the liner looks broken or missing, don’t try on that swimsuit. Another layer of protection is the liner, which also shows that the suit hasn’t been in dirty conditions.
3. Check the suit out carefully before putting it on
Take a moment to look over a swimsuit before you try it on. Check the suit for any stains, signs of wear, or damage that could mean it has been worn or handled badly before.
It’s best not to try on a suit that looks dirty or has obvious flaws. Always put hygiene first, because any suit that looks sketchy could cause skin infections or irritations.
4. Take a shower before and after trying on swimsuits
The best way to lower your risk of getting an infection is to practice good hygiene. Take a shower if you can before going to the store to try on swimsuits. In this way, you keep your skin’s bacteria and oils from coming into contact with the swimsuit fabric.
Also, it’s a good idea to take another shower when you get home after trying on swimsuits. This makes sure that any germs that might have been picked up from the fabric are washed away before they can make you sick or irritate your skin.
5. Wash brand-new bathing suits before putting them on
There may be bacteria, chemicals, or even dyes left over from the manufacturing process in brand-new swimsuits. If there are any harmful chemicals on the fabric, washing them well with hot water and soap can get rid of them.
6. Don’t try on bathing suits After you shave or wax
A layer of your skin’s natural barrier is taken away when you shave or wax. This makes your skin more sensitive and more likely to get an infection or irritation. Instead of going swimsuit shopping right after shaving or waxing, wait a few days. You should wait one or two days so that your skin can heal and build up a stronger barrier.
7. Use gel or wipes that kill germs.
If you want to be even safer, you could bring antibacterial wipes or gel with you to the store. The wipes can be used to clean your hands before and after trying on swimsuits. They can also be used to gently clean any parts of the suit that might touch your skin. This step lowers the chance of getting an infection from bacteria that could be on the clothing or in the fitting room.
8. Keep an eye out for skin reactions
Even though it’s very unlikely that trying on swimsuits will give you an STD, keep an eye out for any strange skin reactions afterward. If your skin gets red, irritated, or itches, you might have contact dermatitis or another minor infection. If you notice something that doesn’t seem right, you should always talk to a doctor or nurse for advice and treatment.
Final Thought
STDs are primarily transmitted through direct sexual contact or the exchange of bodily fluids. There’s very little to no evidence suggesting that you can contract an STD from trying on swimsuits.
Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea cannot survive for long outside the body. These viruses and bacteria typically die quickly when exposed to air, making the risk of transmission from a bathing suit extremely low.
According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), STDs require skin-to-skin contact or fluid exchange to spread effectively.
However, to ease any lingering concerns, it’s always a good idea to wear underwear while trying on swimsuits and to wash them thoroughly before wearing them for the first time.
