Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a topic that often elicits embarrassment, misconceptions, and misinformation. Many myths persist about STIs which lead to misunderstandings, risky behaviors, and possible long-term health implications. No matter who you are or who you love, it is important to know what is reality and what is a myth when it comes to your sexual health and STIs. Here are several of the most prevalent myths:
Myth #1: Taking Contraception Will Protect You From STIs.
Reality: While taking some form of contraception is a great idea if you don’t want to become pregnant, it will not protect you from any STIs.
Myth #2: Condoms Provide 100% Protection
Reality: While condoms significantly reduce the risk of many STIs, they do not provide complete protection. Some of the most common infections, like HPV, monkeypox, crabs and scabies, herpes, and syphilis can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by a condom.
Myth #3: Only Promiscuous People Get STIs
Reality: Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI, even if they have only had one partner. It only takes one encounter with an infected person to contract an STI and many infected people do not know that they already carry a sexually transmitted infection.
Even if you never engage in penetrative sex, there is still some risk of contracting an STI, such as HPV, that can be transmitted through contact with infected skin.
Viral STIs like HIV, herpes(HSV-1 and HSV-2), syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis B and C can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy and birth.
It’s important to discuss with any partner your sexual history and the last time you were tested for STIs.
Myth #4: Only Young People Need to Worry about STIs. STIs Are Not a Concern for Older Adults.
Reality: STIs can affect individuals of any age, gender, race or sexual practices. Older adults are at just as much risk, especially if they are sexually active and not using protection.
Myth #5: You Can’t Get an STI from Kissing or Oral Sex.
Reality: While the risk may be lower with some sexual activities, some STIs, such as herpes, HPV, and monkeypox can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact including deep-mouth kissing, genital to genital rubbing, oral sex and other skin to genital contact. It’s important to use protection, such as dental dams or condoms during oral sex to reduce the risk of transmission.
Myth #6: You Can Tell If Someone Has an STI by Their Appearance or Symptoms.
Reality: Many STIs are asymptomatic, meaning they show no visible signs or symptoms. Many people carry and transmit STIs without knowing they are infected. This is why regular testing is so important for anyone that is sexually active.
Myth #7: If you don’t develop signs of infection within two weeks after sex, you didn’t catch an STI.
Reality: Some STIs have incubation periods that last weeks or months. And many people with an STI never experience any symptoms, or the signs are so mild the infection goes undiagnosed (like syphilis, which can become latent).
Myth #8: STI Testing is Only Necessary If You Have Symptoms
Reality: Regular testing is crucial because many STIs do not show any symptoms. Early detection through regular screenings can prevent complications and reduce the spread of infections.
Myth #9: Once Treated, You Can’t Get the Same STI Again
Reality: You can get the same STI again if you are exposed to it. For example, gonorrhea and chlamydia can be contracted multiple times
Myth #10: If you’re STI-free, so is your partner
Reality: Just because one partner tests negative for an STI doesn’t mean the other is free of infection. When you’re first exposed to an STI, it can take some time for your body to recognize it and develop antibodies. This is called the incubation period. If you are tested during the incubation period, your test may not recognize an infection yet. It is always best that you and your partner both get tested to prevent future complications.
Myth #11: You can Build Immunity to STIs.
Reality: This isn’t true, as our bodies don’t build up an immunity to STIs. In fact, getting an STI puts you at a higher risk of contracting other infections.
Myth #12: All STIs can be Cured.
Reality: Many STIs are manageable, but not be curable. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are both treatable and curable because they are bacterial infections. One the other hand, viral STIs such as herpes and HIV are not curable but can be suppressed with different medications. Medications can help manage them and improve symptoms when they flare up, but the infection never truly goes away.
Understanding myths and misconceptions about STIs can help people make informed decisions about their sexual health and encourage responsible sexual behavior. If you have any questions or need further information, your health care team at River Bend Medical Associates is here to help.
If you are or have been sexually active, and have not been recently tested, starting a routine STI screening habit is the best way to ensure you stay healthy and do not inadvertently transmit an infection to anyone else. Contact Us to schedule a discreet STI screening appointment today.
