Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Myths

MYTH: Only people with a lot of sexual partners get STIs

It does not matter if you have sex once or a hundred times. STIs don’t care about your sexual history. They can be passed on through unprotected (without a condom) vaginal, anal or oral sex, by genital contact and through sharing sex toys.
It is not only young people that can get a STI –regardless of age if you have unprotected sex then you are at risk

MYTH: You can always tell if someone has an STI

When people think of STIs many think of the obvious symptoms like lumps, bumps, rashes or unpleasant discharge. But very often STIs do not have any signs or symptoms at all (or they might not appear for weeks or months) so a person with an STI might not know they have one.
Even if you don’t have any signs or symptoms it’s a good idea to get tested if you have had unprotected sex (without a condom). The best way to help protect yourself is to use a condom when you have sex.

MYTH: You don’t need to worry about STIs as treatments are so effective these days

Although STI treatments are very effective, it is always a better idea to avoid getting an STI in the first place.  Genital herpes, genital warts and HIV can be treated but the virus remains in the body.  There is evidence that some STIs, such as gonorrhoea, are becoming resistant to antibiotics.

MYTH: You can get an STI from a toilet seat

This is a myth that has been doing the rounds for a long time.  STIs are passed on through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, by genital contact and through sharing sex toys.

MYTH: Oral contraception can protect against STIs

Oral contraceptives (the pill) are only effective in preventing pregnancy; they do not protect you against STIs being passed on. Male and female condoms are the only methods of contraception that will help protect you from getting and passing on STIs when you have oral, vaginal or anal sex.

MYTH: You can’t get an STI from oral sex

Although the risk of getting an STI through oral sex is generally less than vaginal or anal sex, there is still a risk. Some infections are spread more easily through oral sex than others; the most commonly passed on are herpes simplex, gonorrhoea and syphilis. The best way to help protect yourself during oral sex is to use a male or female condom or a dam to cover your genital area or anus. Condoms and dams are available free from Sexual Health D&G

MYTH: STI testing is really painful

It is a common myth that an instrument like an umbrella is inserted into the penis.  For both men and women testing is quick and easy. It may involve giving a urine sample, a visual examination to look for signs of infection, having blood taken, or using a swab on the genital area. If a swab is required you may be able to do it yourself. You will not be judged by having a STI test and it is not a reflection on your behaviour but it is a sensible health decision.

MYTH: You have to pay for STI tests and treatment

All STI tests and treatment are free through the NHS and so is contraception.

MYTH: Only gay men and drug users get HIV

 It does not matter what sexual orientation or gender you are, or whether you have had one sexual partner or lots of sexual partners; anyone who is sexually active can be at risk of HIV. It is estimated that 4995 people are living with HIV in Scotland and a further1600 are undiagnosed. (Health Protection Scotland 2015)

MYTH: STIs will go away on their own

It is very unlikely that an STI will go away by itself and if you delay seeking treatment you risk the infection causing long-term problems such as difficulty conceiving or having an ectopic pregnancy. There is also a risk of passing on the infections to partner(s), even if you do not have any signs or symptoms at the time.

MYTH: Once you’ve had an STI you can’t get the same one again

Having the infection does not mean you are protected in the future so you can get the same STI again. Viruses like genital herpes, genital warts and HIV remain in the body but can be managed through effective treatments.