Is Mpox (Monkeypox) A Sexually Transmitted Disease?

One of the common misconceptions about monkeypox is whether it can be transmitted sexually, leading to the question of whether it is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). To clarify, monkeypox is not primarily considered an STD. It is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, specifically small mammals like rodents and monkeys.

However, it is important to note that secondary human-to-human transmission can occur, but it is relatively rare. In such cases, the virus spreads through close contact with respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of infected individuals. The transmission can happen through a variety of means, such as direct contact with lesions, sharing contaminated objects, or respiratory droplets from infected individuals.

It is crucial to emphasize that sexual transmission of monkeypox is exceptionally uncommon. Limited evidence suggests that transmission through sexual contact might occur, but it has only been documented in isolated instances. Sexual transmission of monkeypox is more frequent in the LGBQT community than among heterosexuals

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