sexual health myths

The only people who get AIDS in the United Kingdom are homosexuals and drug users – False!
Nobody can assume that they are exempt from the risk of AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Safer sex is the best way that you can limit your risk of catching the disease.

Condoms protect against all STIs – False!
Using a condom correctly for oral, anal and vaginal sex is a good protection against infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Condoms are also important in preventing the transmission of HIV. But there is little evidence to suggest that condoms protect against the transmission of genital warts. Using a condom is always important because it helps to prevent the transmission of many sexually transmitted infections (STIs). But because condoms cannot protect against every form of STI, it is also important to limit the number of sexual partners you have, and to be tested for STIs on a regular basis.

Condoms are 100% safe - False!
Condoms are a highly effective form of contraception, as well as a great way of preventing STIs. However, condoms can and do break, so it's always good to use them in conjunction with another form of contraception such as the pill.

You can tell by looking at someone if they have an STI – False!
Many STI's have no symptoms. 80% of people with Chlamydia have no symptoms

My IUD/Pill will protect me against STIs – False!
Non-barrier contraceptives only offer protection against pregnancy. They do not offer any protection whatsoever against sexually transmitted infections.

You can't get pregnant during unprotected sex if the man pulls out before he ejaculates (cums) - false!
Even if your partner doesn't ejaculate, sperm can still be present in his pre-cum (the clear, sticky drops that are released when he's aroused). It only takes one sperm to get you pregnant, and the fluid can also contain sexually transmitted infections. When a man ejaculates, he produces 13 million sperm in his semen. Prior to ejaculation he can leak two million sperm Some men aren't aware that they are ejaculating until it's too late, and it's easy to get carried away in the heat of the moment.

You can't get pregnant during your period - false!
There is no safe time when a woman cannot get pregnant. Ovulation usually occurs 14 days before the NEXT period (which maybe day 14 of a 28-day cycle). However, other factors influence the time of ovulation such as stress, hormones etc. Unprotected sex also increases the risk infection by sexually transmitted diseases (STIs/STDs)

You can't get pregnant while having sex standing up - False!
Sperm is very mobile and it doesn’t matter what position you have sex in, unprotected sex can lead to a pregnancy or acquiring an STI.

You can't get pregnant if you have sex in water - False!
Sperm are very good swimmers.

You are not at risk of getting an STI if you are in a long term relationship – False!
You can not be sure that your partner has been faithful to you, if you suspect that they have been unfaithful you should go and  be checked for sexually transmitted infections.

If you have an STI you will be able to tell as you will have obvious symptoms –False!
There are many potential signs of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, many STIs have no symptoms at all. It is not unusual to have more than one infection at once without knowing. If you have been at risk, or if you want to stop using condoms in a long-term relationship, you should get tested for STIs at your local sexual health clinic.

You can't get pregnant while on the pill - False!
The chances of getting pregnant while taking the contraceptive pill are virtually nil, providing you follow the instructions correctly and consistently. But if you miss pills, are on antibiotics, or have sickness and diarrhoea, you need to use condoms for the next seven days.

It's safe to have sex as soon as you're on the pill - False!
Different types of contraceptive pill take different times to kick in. This can range from 0-14 days. Always follow the instructions prescribed with your type of pill, and use an additional form of contraception such as condoms during the time it takes for your choice of pill become effective.

If a condom breaks, there's nothing you can do - False!
If you're female and the condom has split, even if it's before your partner has ejaculated, seek emergency contraception.

If a girl goes to the loo after sex she wont get pregnant - False!
using contraception is the only way to avoid pregnancy

All guys hate using condoms - False!
The only men who WON'T use condoms are those with no respect for you. Don't rely on a man to provide condoms. If you're considering sex then take responsibility for yourself. Get clued up about contraception and safer sex.

Washing after sex prevents AN STI and / or pregnancy – False!
only by using a condom will you help to prevent a pregnancy or a STI.

As long as I have my monthly bleed on the pill I am not pregnant – False!
The withdrawal bleed on the combined pill is a result of the withdrawal of hormones and only means that you have stopped taking the pill. It is possible for a pregnant woman on the pill to carry on having monthly periods until she gives birth. The only reassurance a woman has on the pill that she is not pregnant is that she has not put herself at risk e.g. missed pills, been on antibiotics or had diarrhoea and vomiting and not used extra precautions, during and in the 7 seven days following these events.

Oral sex is safe – False!
You are not at risk of pregnancy during oral sex?, but most sexually transmitted infections are passed on through oral sex unless a condom is worn (flavoured condoms may add to the enjoyment).

STIs can be caught from toilet seats - False!
Highly unlikely but remember hygiene.

Not having periods is bad for you – False!
Several methods of contraception are associated with not having periods. Periods are only necessary if you wish to get pregnant. The methods of contraception, which may result in not having periods, are usually hormonal. In these cases, the lining of the womb has not undergone the normal thickening which occurs prior to a fertilised egg implanting in the womb. In these cases at the period time there is no blood or lining to come away. When a girl starts having periods it sometimes takes two or three years to settle into a regular pattern. In addition, if a woman who is not on hormonal contraception stops having regular periods it would be advisable for her to see her GP as there are some hormonal conditions that can cause this.

You can't get pregnant the first time you have sex - False!
It only takes one time to get pregnant. Many people have become pregnant the first time they had sex.