Let’s get real – there’s a LOT of sketchy health information out there when it comes to sexual health. From so-called “experts” peddling junk science to some rumor that your friend heard from a friend, it can be hard to know what to believe. Everyone is at risk, so it’s important to know the facts about sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Cut through the noise, debunk these common sexual health myths, and find out what you need to protect yourself and your partner.
STDs vs. STIs
But before we begin, a quick note. You’ve probably also heard of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and you’re wondering how they’re related to STIs. There’s really only one difference between them: an STI is only considered a disease if you’re showing symptoms. All STDs start as STIs first, but not every STI turns into an STD.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s bust some STI myths!
Myth #1: I can’t get an STI if I don’t have penetrative sex.
STIs are passed through skin-to-skin contact and through bodily fluids. While penetrative sex is a primary way that transmission can occur, you can also contract an STI from anal sex, oral sex, or any other sexual activity that involves intimate skin contact. You can also contract an STI from sharing sex toys, kissing, hand-to-genital contact, and sharing toothbrushes, razors, or needles.
Myth 2: I’ve only had a couple sexual partners, so I probably don’t have an STI.
While having multiple sexual partners can put you at a higher risk for an STI, it only takes one infected partner to spread it to you. It’s important for both you and your partner to get tested before engaging in sexual activity together.
Myth #3: I’m taking “the pill” – or my partner is – so it’s impossible for either of us to get an STI.
Oral contraceptives are designed to prevent pregnancy, but there is nothing in any oral contraceptive that can prevent an STI. This is also true of long-acting contraceptives (such IUDs and hormonal implants), injections, and contraceptive rings. One 2002 study of 948 Kenyan prostitutes found that women who used oral contraceptives were actually at an increased risk for contracting chlamydia [1]. Condoms are the only form of birth control that can actively help prevent STIs; however, their protection is lessened if the condom breaks or is worn incorrectly.
Myth #4: I don’t have any symptoms, so I probably don’t have an STI.
According to one 2016 study, up to 90 percent of STIs are asymptomatic, or don’t show any symptoms [2]. Some STIs won’t show symptoms for months (or even years) so it’s essential to know your status.
Myth #5: If I do have an STI, I don’t have to get treated for it.
It’s unlikely that your STI will go away without treatment. Some non-viral STIs have symptoms that come and go, which can make it difficult to know if the infection is gone or just dormant. One U.S. study published in 2011 found that among women infected with chlamydia, over half of them still had an STI a year later [3].
Even if you don’t have symptoms, you could still pass your STI on to your partner or experience future health complications. However, many STIs can be completely cured with antibiotics, and others can be managed with a treatment plan from your doctor. According to CDC recommendations, any person who has a positive test for chlamydia or gonorrhea, along with women who test positive for trichomonas, should be retested 3 months after treatment.
Your sexual health is your business, and it’s your responsibility to get the health answers you need to protect yourself and others. Don’t leave your health up to chance.
Don’t have an STI, but you’re struggling with vaginal itching, odor or discharge? This could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis – and we can help you get answers. Test at home with our Bacterial Vaginosis Test, and get answers in just 48 hours.
Sources
- Baeten, J. M., et al. “Hormonal Contraception and Risk of Sexually Transmitted Disease Acquisition: Results from a Prospective Study.” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, vol. 185, no. 2, Aug. 2001, pp. 380–85.
- Wagenlehner, Florian M. E., et al. “The Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections.” Deutsches Arzteblatt International, vol. 113, no. 1-02, Jan. 2016, pp. 11–22.
- Geisler, William M. “Diagnosis and Management of Uncomplicated Chlamydia Trachomatis Infections in Adolescents and Adults: Summary of Evidence Reviewed for the 2010 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines.” Clinical Infectious Diseases: An Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, vol. 53, no. suppl_3, Oxford Academic, Dec. 2011, pp. S92–98.
