STI Myths & Facts: The Most Common STI Myths Debunked

We’ve broken down the most common STI myths out there.

STIs (sexually transmitted infections) also known as STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are common, but unfortunately not always taught to us properly in school. Anybody who is having sex can pick up an STI so it’s important to know that facts rather than the common myths that are floating around on the internet.

Myth: You can’t have an STI if you don’t have any symptoms

Fact: Not true! While some STIs may have visible symptoms such as a rash, itchiness, lumps or noticeable pain it’s very possible to pick up and STI and not have any noticeable symptoms, meaning they can easily go undetected.

Chlamydia and syphilis are both common STIs that often present no symptoms, meaning you can have it and spread it to other people without knowing about it.

However, lack of obvious symptoms doesn’t mean lack of safety and an untreated STI can cause problems further down the line. Untreated chlamydia in women can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or even infertility, so it’s not something you want to risk.

The best way to be sure is to get tested regularly or every time you have a new sexual partner.

Myth: A condom protects you from STIs

Fact: While condoms are the only form of birth control that can help to prevent both pregnancy and STIs, they are not always 100% effective. Even if you are taking the necessary precautions to have safe sex, there is always the chance of it being defective if the condom breaks or isn’t put on correctly. Even if you are using condoms you should always be tested regularly.

Myth: Once you’ve had an STI once you won’t get it again

Fact: Unfortunately not, you can catch STIs multiple times even if you’ve previously had treatment for one in the past.

Myth: You don’t need to get tested if you’ve only had sex once or only have one sexual partner

Fact: STIs can spread easily regardless of how many times you’ve had sex. If your first sexual encounter is with someone who has an STI they can spread it to you even if it’s your first time.

Likewise, even if you’re in a stable relationship or only sleeping with one person, this doesn’t mean you’re immune to STIs. Firstly, your partner could have an untreated STI from before they met you which could then be passed on to you.

While it’s not nice to think about, there’s also the possibility of unfaithfulness in relationships too, and if your partner is sleeping with other people they could easily be passing on STIs to you without you knowing so it’s always a good idea to be open and honest about sexual history.

Regardless of your relationship status or whether you’re sexually active, it doesn’t hurt to get tested regularly.

Myth: STIs are only transmitted through penetrative sex

Fact: STIs can be spread through oral, anal and vaginal sex with many infections forming in the throat, such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia. So, if you’re abstaining from penetrative sex, this doesn’t mean you’re not at risk to getting an infection.

Myth: STIs are cured with treatment

Fact: Sadly, this isn’t the case for every STI. STIs caused by bacteria are easier to treat, but viral infections can be managed but not always cured. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis can all be treated via antibiotics and will be cured once the antibiotics course is completed.

For Herpes and HIV you will be given an antiviral drug instead, which can help to manage your STI as these are lifelong infections. With treatment however, you can effectively lower the spread of transmission to other people.

Myth: STIs will go away on their own

Fact: Unfortunately, they won’t. If you’re experiencing symptoms you need to get it checked out asap to be given the correct treatment for your STI.

Although going to the doctors for an STI or going to get tested can be embarrassing, STIs are incredibly common and anybody who is engaging in sexual activity can get one, so you’re definitely not alone in this.

Hopefully, we’ve helped to clear a few things up!