Concerns about sexual behavior have arisen since the World Health Organization (WHO) proclaimed monkeypox a global health emergency.
In Mexico there are 252 confirmed cases of monkeypox, according to the results of the Institute of Epidemiological Diagnosis and Reference (InDRE).
Amid the outbreak there has been speculation about whether monkeypox is a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Here’s everything you need to know about the virus.
This is how monkeypox spreads
According to the United Nations, people who have the disease are contagious as long as they have symptoms (usually within the first two to four weeks). You can get this condition through physical contact with someone who has symptoms.
Rashes, body fluids (such as fluids, pus, or blood from skin lesions), and scabs are particularly infectious. Contact with objects that have been in contact with the infected person such as clothing, bedding, towels or objects such as eating utensils can also represent a source of infection.
Ulcers, lesions or sores can also be infectious since the virus can be spread through saliva. Therefore, we will have a high risk of infection if we live with infected people in our house or if we do so with sexual partners. Also people who work in the health sector are more exposed.
The virus can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to the fetus through the placenta, or through contact of an infected parent with the child during or after delivery through skin-to-skin contact.
However, it is not clear whether people who are asymptomatic can transmit the disease.
Is monkeypox spread through sexual intercourse?
Dr. Dhiren Gupta, who works at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, says that sexual contact increases the spread of monkeypox.
The genitals (penis, testicles, labia, vagina) or anus of a person with monkeypox can be touched during intimate contact, including oral, anal, and vaginal sex.
The specialist also explains that prolonged face-to-face contact, kisses, hugs and massages can cause the virus to spread.
Also, a person can get the disease by touching bedding, towels, and sex toys that have been used by a person with monkeypox and have not been cleaned.
The risk of getting monkeypox can be increased if you have frequent or anonymous sex. According to the expert, limiting sexual partners can reduce the risk of exposure.
Does the condom protect against monkeypox?
Barrier methods such as condoms, for example, may not be effective in stopping the virus, the ANI news agency quoted Dr. Manoj Sharma as saying.
