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.
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