Can I Get an STD From a Hotel Bathtub?

Hi, My girlfriend and I had unprotected sex in a hotel bathtub. Concerned if there were people who have used it for sex as well before us, is it possible to acquire an STD from having unprotected sex with your partner in a “pre-used” tub? Your answer will be highly appreciated since I am quite bothered since 3 days after, tiny itchy red bumps appeared in my body. Thanks.

- Bothered and Itchy

We recently received this question. Since this and similar questions about how you can get an STD come up regularly in conversations with our clients, and now, here on our blog, we thought it would be good to answer this in a new post.

Dear Bothered and Itchy,

First off, thanks to you and everyone for having the courage to ask questions in the comments of our posts. If you have a question, no doubt others do as well. What you’re asking about is a very common fear. Many people don’t know if STDs can be passed in public or shared places, such as bathtubs, hot tubs, and toilet seats.

STDs are communicable diseases that are almost always passed from person to person during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and by close skin to skin contact. Various kinds of STDs can be spread differently.

For example there are STDs caused by a virus (such as Hepatitis B, Herpes, HIV, HPV). Some of these may exist outside of mucous membranes of the vagina, penis rectum and mouth, such as on the porous skin surrounding the genitals. Other viral STDs such as Hepatitis and HIV do not pass through intact skin and are transferred by contact with bodily fluids.

A second type is Bacterial STDs. These live inside the mucous membranes (i.e. membranes of the vagina, rectum, penis, and mouth) and are transferred through contact with these infected membranes.

The last kind of STD is parasitic. Pubic lice (crabs) and trichomoniases are STDs caused by parasites and are most often spread during sexual activity, but can also be spread through contact with an infected person’s clothing, bedding, and towels.

So, now that you understand the types of STDs and how they are spread, you can understand that the only type that could have a reasonable chance of being passed from one person to another in a public area like a bathtub, would be a parasitic STD. But this is only if the genital area is in contact with a damp object. Keep in mind that bathtubs DO NOT provide the ideal environment for parasitic STDs to reproduce and live. Since viral and bacterial STDs can’t survive long outside the environment of mucous membranes it’s virtually impossible to contact one of these STDs this way.

How can I know for sure that I don’t have an STD?

Even though it’s highly unlikely that you caught an STD from the bathtub, it doesn’t mean you don’t have one or aren’t at risk for getting one. One of the reasons STDs are so common is most don’t show any symptoms and the person passing along an STD doesn’t know they are infected. The only way to know for sure is to get tested.

We would advise you and your partner to both get tested right away to rule out this possibility. At Collage, we offer complimentary testing and treatment for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. For other tests we recommend you contact your doctor’s office. If you don’t have a doctor we’re happy to help you find the assistance you need.

Again, thank you for your question. We hope it helps others as well.

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How Does Abortion End My Pregnancy?

May 29, 2026

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Facing an unexpected pregnancy can bring a lot of emotions, and often, a sense of urgency to make a decision quickly. You may have seen options online to order abortion pills by mail and wondered if it’s a simple solution. Before making a decision, it’s important to understand how this option could affect your health and what steps you can take to make a fully informed decision. 1. Your Health Should Always Come First Mail-order abortion often skips important medical safeguards. In many cases, there is no in-person evaluation before receiving the drugs. That means key health factors, such as your medical history and potential risks, will not be fully considered. There can also be uncertainty about the source of the drugs, including how they were handled, stored, or dosed. In fact, the FDA does not recommend this option because the drugs’ quality, safety, and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. Taking time to understand your health first is a smart and proactive way to protect yourself. 2. You Need Clear Answers About Your Pregnancy A pregnancy test alone doesn’t give you the full picture. Before considering abortion, it’s important to confirm details about your pregnancy through an ultrasound. An ultrasound can tell you: How far along are you? Whether the pregnancy is developing (or if you’ve miscarried ) Where the pregnancy is located These details matter more than you might think. Abortion pills are FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation, and without accurate dating, it’s possible to miscalculate how far along you are. An ultrasound can also detect an ectopic pregnancy , which occurs outside the uterus and requires immediate medical attention. Abortion pills will not treat this condition. What’s more, if you’ve experienced a miscarriage, you may require medical follow-up to prevent complications. Getting these details first helps ensure your safety. We offer limited OB ultrasounds following positive lab-quality pregnancy testing with us. 3. It’s Important to Understand the Process and Risks Mail-order abortion may sound straightforward, but it’s important to know what it may actually involve. The process includes significant cramping and bleeding as the body expels the pregnancy, with some women describing the pain as being unexpectedly severe . Other side effects can include: Nausea or vomiting Fever or chills Diarrhea Headaches There are also potential risks , such as heavy bleeding, infection, or an incomplete abortion that may require additional medical care. Without in-person support, it can be difficult to know what’s expected and when something may need medical attention. You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone When everything feels overwhelming, it can help to take a moment to evaluate your next steps and get the information you need. At Collage, we provide no-cost, confidential services so you can ask questions, gather accurate information, and explore your options at your own pace in a one-on-one setting. Schedule your appointment today. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services. All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.