Short answer: no, you’re almost definitely not getting an STI from a toilet seat. Most sexually transmitted infections need direct contact with bodily fluids or mucous membranes to spread—public toilet seats are basically a deathbed for STI-causing germs.

Yes, you can absolutely get an STI without any penetrative sex. STIs spread through fluids and skin-to-skin contact during oral sex, grinding, hands/fingers, and shared sex toys—no penetration doesn’t mean no risk.

Yes, you can absolutely get an STI from oral sex, even when everything looks totally fine. No sores, no weird discharge, no red flags…and still, infection can be happening under the radar. Many STIs are spread by skin-to-skin contact and genital fluids, not just visible sores.

You absolutely still need STI testing even if you feel 100% fine. Many infections in women are totally silent for months or years, can still be passed on, and can quietly damage your fertility and pelvic health—so routine screening is basic body maintenance, not something you wait to do only when you have symptoms.