STDs affect many sexually active persons, especially people who engage in unsafe sexual practices. Although STDs are common, different myths about them plague society. There is a stigma associated with STD that makes many people feel conscious about asking the right questions.
Below are common STD myths and the facts about them.
Myth 1: You can’t contract STDs from oral sex
Anal and vaginal sex are more likely to cause transmission of STDs, but you can still contract STD from oral sex. STD often transmitted through oral sex include gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, chlamydia, and syphilis. You can reduce the risk of contracting an STD through oral sex by using the right protection like dental dams and condoms.
Myth 2: Condoms offer 100% protection against STDs
Using a condom can reduce the risk of contracting an STD during sex, but it doesn’t provide 100% protection. If you have sex with someone infected with STDs such as HPV, herpes, or genital warts, you can contract the infection from skin-on-skin contact.
If the condom doesn’t completely cover or protect the infected area, the risk of transmission will be high.
Myth 3: You don’t have to worry about contracting STDs if you do not have sex with many people
Whenever you engage in sexual activity, use the right protection. You contract STDs regardless of how many people you have sex with. Having sex for the first time can expose you to STD, even without penetrative sex. It’s also advisable for both partners to get an STD test London before having sex.
Myth 4: If you do not engage in sex, you won’t contract STDs
You can contract STD even without having sex. You mustn’t have penetrative sex to contract STD. Oral sex, anal sex, touching or kissing your partner’s infected body part can expose you to an STD.
You can also contract STDs without engaging in sexual activity. Sharing needles and other contaminated objects can increase the risk of having infections, including certain STD like HIV.
Myth 5: You will know when you have an STD even without testing
Some STDs like herpes, chlamydia, and Trichomoniasis do not always show symptoms and often go undetected for a long time. In some cases, only mild symptoms occur and are usually mistaken for other health issues like UTIs, Thrush, BV, eczema, and psoriasis.
Having regular sexual health checkups is important, especially after a one-night stand or for people entering a new sexual relationship.
Myth 6: An STD will resolve without treatment
Some STDs like HPV can resolve over time, but most require treatment to ensure the disease doesn’t progress and cause more health issues. Some other STDs like herpes are incurable, so you would have to live with it throughout your life if you contract them.
If you notice symptoms of an STD or think you have contracted an STD, ensure you get tested when the incubation period passes. Hence, you get treatment and reduce the risk of spreading the STD.
Myth 7: Pulling out can prevent pregnancy and STDs
The ‘pull out method isn’t even effective in preventing pregnancy and doesn’t also prevent STDs. You can contract an STD from skin-on-skin contact and bodily fluids. Any sexual activity, including touching and kissing, has a risk of transmitting STDs.
If you have any STDs, avoid having sex or engaging in sexual activity to prevent transmitting the disease to other people. Ensure you also complete your treatment and be cleared by the doctor before resuming any sexual activity.
You can check out Private GPs London to book private doctor appointment for your STD testing if you think you have an STD or are at risk of contracting an STD.
