Ask a Top Doctor: “Can I Get An STD From Trying On a Swimsuit?”

Answer from Leslie B. Frankel, a gynecologist at Abington Memorial Hospital

“It’s extremely unlikely that anyone would contract a disease or infection like herpes or gonorrhea from trying on a bathing suit, because viruses and bacteria can only live outside the body for a short time. However, crabs are highly communicable. If you were to try on an infected swimsuit without wearing underwear that adequately covers your privates, you could wind up with very annoying guests.”