Top 5 Myths About Safe Sex
Myth #1: You Can Tell if Your Potential Partner Has an STD
This is one of the biggest, and most dangerous myths. Unfortunately, the most common symptom of STDs is no symptoms at all. Your partner may feel fine and have no apparent signs like bumps or warts, and still pass an infection on to you. This becomes an issue when left untreated. Some STDs can turn into dangerous infections and even lead to permanent damage. Anyone who is sexually active should be should be tested between sexual partners in order to get treatment if needed.
Myth #2 An STD Could Never Happen to Me
STDs do not discriminate and the the truth is, 1 in 2 people will contract an STI by the time they turn 25. Some of these may be curable, and some may not. According to the CDC, 20 million people in the U.S. contract an STI every year. To put it simply, the odds are not in your favor, so it’s important to protect yourself and get tested regularly.
Myth #3 You Can Catch An STD From a Toilet Seat
STDs cannot survive outside of the body for long periods of time. The cold, hard surface of a toilet seat is no place for bacteria to survive. Also, STDs are not present in urine, which is sterile. While it’s safe to say contracting an STD from a public restroom is highly unlikely, your main concern should be of skin-to-skin contact with potentially infected people.
Myth #4 Condoms & The Pill Prevent STDs
Condoms are designed to prevent pregnancy, not protect against STDs. In fact, many condoms contain spermicide (sperm-killer) even though the Center for Disease Control (CDC) warned over a decade ago that spermicide actually increases the risk of infection for HIV. Many STDs, like herpes or genital warts are on the skin and therefore any contact will put you at risk. The birth control pill is designed to prevent an egg from fertilizing and in no way can it prevent disease.
Myth #5 Once You’ve Been Treated For An STD, You Can’t Get it Again
Another dangerously untrue myth about STDs. While several STDs can be treated with antibiotics, you can contract the disease again if your partner is not also treated or if you switch partners. It is important to get tested regularly, especially between partners or after unprotected sex.
If you are concerned about your sexual health, give us a call at 407.647.3960 or request an appointment now.
More Articles
Dr. DeJesus Recognized by Orlando Magazine
For the 5th consecutive year, Dr. DeJesus has been recognized by his peers in Orlando Magazine for his work as medical director at Orlando Immunology Center. Dr. DeJesus is a graduate from the University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine training and Infectious Disease fellowship at the Medical College of…
Read More
Join OIC at the 2015 AIDS Walk Orlando
Orlando Immunology Center is pleased to announce that we will again be sponsoring a team at this year’s 2015 AIDS Walk Orlando. If you are interested in joining our team or donating to this worthwhile cause, please let us know. Saturday, March 28, 2015 In Florida, 15% of all new HIV infections reported among females…
Read More
OIC Wins Wave Award for Favorite Local Healthcare Professional
The Orlando Immunology Center (OIC) announced today they have received the Central Florida/Orlando 2015 Watermark Awards for Variety and Excellence (WAVE) Award for favorite local healthcare professional. “We see this as a huge honor and will continue to do everything in our power to help patients from all walks of life be healthy, happy and…
Read More
Dr. DeJesus Recognized by Orlando Magazine
For the 5th consecutive year, Dr. DeJesus has been recognized by his peers in Orlando Magazine for his work as medical director at Orlando Immunology Center. Dr. DeJesus is a graduate from the University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine training and Infectious Disease fellowship at the Medical College of…
Read More
Join OIC at the 2015 AIDS Walk Orlando
Orlando Immunology Center is pleased to announce that we will again be sponsoring a team at this year’s 2015 AIDS Walk Orlando. If you are interested in joining our team or donating to this worthwhile cause, please let us know. Saturday, March 28, 2015 In Florida, 15% of all new HIV infections reported among females…
Read More
OIC Wins Wave Award for Favorite Local Healthcare Professional
The Orlando Immunology Center (OIC) announced today they have received the Central Florida/Orlando 2015 Watermark Awards for Variety and Excellence (WAVE) Award for favorite local healthcare professional. “We see this as a huge honor and will continue to do everything in our power to help patients from all walks of life be healthy, happy and…
Read More
Dr. DeJesus Presented the Chuck Hummer, III, Visionary Award
Congratulations to Dr. DeJesus for winning the Chuck Hummer, III, Visionary Award presented at this year’s Headdress Ball benefiting Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, Inc. The award is given annually to individuals in the community who have made a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS. OUR TEAM REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
Read More
8 Ways You Can Protect Your Liver When You’re Living With Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is the leading cause of severe liver disease and liver cancer, both of which can be fatal. So, what are some of the ways you can protect your liver when you’re living with hepatitis C? To keep your liver healthy when living with hepatitis C, the most important thing to do is to…
Read More
Dr. DeJesus Orlando Sentinel Interview About Actor Charlie Sheen
Dr. Edwin DeJesus was recently interviewed by the Orlando Sentinel about well-known actor Charlie Sheen, confirming that he was HIV-positive. To read the full article click here or click the image below. OUR TEAM REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
Read More
Dr. Edwin DeJesus Included on Best Doctors 2015 List by Orlando Magazine
Dr. DeJesus was recently voted “Best Doctors 2015” by Orlando Magazine. The Best Doctors in America® List includes the nation’s most respected specialists and outstanding primary care physicians in the nation. These are the doctors that other doctors recognize as the best doctors in their fields. They cannot pay a fee and are not paid…
Read More
What to Expect On Your First STD Screening
Let’s face it. Going for your first STD screening can be a bit nerve-racking, but knowing your status doesn’t have to be scary! To put your mind at ease we provide tips on when you should get tested and what to expect at your first screening. Should I Get Tested? If you experience any symptoms…
Read More
5 Things You Should Know About PrEP
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis and is a preventative option for people who do not have HIV, but are at a high risk of contracting HIV. The word “prophylaxis” means to prevent or control the spread of an infection or disease. PrEP is a pill that contains two medicines that are also used to…
Read More
CDC Confirms That The Zika Virus Can Be Sexually Transmitted
If you’ve consumed any piece of news in the last week, you may have heard about an outbreak of the Zika virus. Warnings urged pregnant women to avoid travel to areas with a large number of cases due to possible birth defects. It was originally believed that the Zika virus could only be transmitted from…
Read More