Myth Busters

You will not and cannot catch an STD from sitting on a toilet seat. Most STDs are not able to live outside the body for long periods of time, especially on cold, hard surfaces such as toilet seats.

MYTH. HIV, and Hepatitis B and C infections happen during body piercings and tattooing with unsterile equipment. Request to see new sterile equipment before consenting to body art.

MYTH. Different people may have different ideas about what makes someone a virgin. Your partner may not have engaged in vaginal or anal sex but it is possible that they could have had oral sex and still consider themselves a virgin. Oral sex, just like vaginal and anal sex, puts individuals at risk for contracting STDs. If you have had some form of sexual contact (i.e oral sex), even if you have not had penetrative sex, it is important to get tested. It is possible to contract an STD without any penetration taking place. For example, certain STDs like herpes and HPV are passed through skin-to-skin contact. Discuss all past sexual activity with your partner and continue to use protection.

MYTH. While not all STDs are likely to be transmitted through oral sex, SOME can be. You can give your partner your STD and they can give you theirs during oral sex. For example, if your partner has oral herpes (cold sores) and performs oral sex on you, you could then contract oral herpes around your genitals. STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can also be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids of the mouth and the genital region. Cuts or scrapes of the oral tissue can increase likelihood of transmitting or receiving an infection during oral sex. Always wear a condom or dental dam when engaging in oral sex to protect yourself and your partner from potential infection.

MYTH. Having sex once is enough to contract any type of STD. It is important to always use proper protection consistently whether this is your first time or you have more experience – or if you have been knowing each other a long time.

MYTH. A condom is only designed for a single use. Once you have finished having sex you should properly remove the condom and throw it away. A condom that has already been used may have sperm and germs on it so reusing it could lead to pregnancy and infections. Washing the condom should only be used as an absolute LAST resort if no new condoms are available.

MYTH. Have you heard of friction? Using two condoms can actually be less helpful! The condoms will rub against each other creating friction which could potentially cause one or both of the condoms to break or rip tiny holes in the condom allowing sperm, bacteria, and viruses through. This breakage can lead to leakage which can lead to the transmission of STDs or an unplanned pregnancy. When having sex it is important to use only one condom at a time. A new condom should be used every time you have sex, at the right time (before sex), and be put on correctly.

MYTH. It is true that some STDs are not curable and last a lifetime such as herpes and HIV. For these, once you are infected, the virus will remain in your system. Other STDs, like bacterial infections - syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia can be easily treated in their early stages with antibiotics, BUT you are also able to get infected again later on if you have sexual contact with someone who has not been treated, or with other partners in the future. For this reason, it is important to get your partners (or ex-partners) treated, use protection and get tested regularly. *Also, remember that in order to treat these STDs, you must fully complete the recommended treatment given to you by the medical provider. And, remember you CANNOT have sexual intercourse while on the antibiotics and for ONE WEEK following the treatment of both you and your partner(s). If you do not follow these instructions, the infection may continue to be passed back and forth between you and your partner

MYTH. Anyone can get an STD - All ages, all genders, all income levels, all races, all areas of the world. In fact, anyone who engages in sexual contact at some point in his or her life is at risk for becoming infected with an STD. It only takes one time. The only people that have NO risk of getting an STD are people who have never had sex or any type of sexual contact. If you do plan on having sex in the future or already are, make sure to always use a condom – even if you are on other forms of birth control (like the Pill or Patch)! Also, remember that some STDs like herpes and HPV are spread through skin-to-skin contact, meaning these STDs can be spread through any kind of genital contact - with or without a condom and with or without penetrative sex. While condoms are not perfect in protecting against all STDs, they still will substantially lower your risk of contracting or spreading an STD. Remember: Condoms help to have SAFER sex, as does limiting the number of sexual partners. However, the only 100%

MYTH. STDs are not always visible. While some people may have physical signs (discharge or bumps, or sores), many symptoms are not so easily visible such as having abdominal pain or flu-like feelings, and those go away. On top of that, most people have no signs or symptoms when they have an STD. This is why getting tested is so important. Just because you or your partner do not have symptoms does not mean you cannot carry or spread an STD. In addition, untreated STDs can cause serious future health risks; so make sure to get tested regularly and be sure you always practice safe sex!

MYTH. You can’t always see or feel STDs. In many cases, you may have no symptoms and will only know if you get tested. Many teens do not realize that you can have an STD and not even know it. This can lead to further spreading of the STD and potential health risks yourself. If you are engaging in any type of sexual activity, be sure to get tested every 6 to 12 months, or 3 to 6 months if you have multiple sex partners, AND always use appropriate (barrier) protection. REMINDER: If you have been tested, make sure to follow-up on your results, usually 3-7 days post test/office visit.

MYTH. The only thing contraception (like the pill) protects against is pregnancy. You are NOT protected against STDs if you are not using condoms. So - make sure you are using another barrier method in addition to the pill to reduce your risk of STDs. While condoms and dental dams are not 100% effective in protecting against all STDs, they do lower your risk substantially and are two important methods of protection during sexual contact.

MYTH. Left untreated, STDs can have long lasting consequences on health such as causing infertility. The good news is many STDs can be treated and effectively managed. It is important to remember that you may not know if you or your partner has a sexually transmitted infection since many people show no signs or symptoms – and often don’t know themselves. Remember to get tested regularly. You may think it is scary to find out a positive STD result but it is a lot less scary than facing some of the long-term health problems caused by untreated infections.

MYTH. It is possible to have more than one STD at once. In fact, a lot of times having one STD can make it much easier to get a second/third, etc!

MYTH. While it is true that the highest rate of transmission of the herpes virus is during an outbreak (noticeable red sores and ulcers around genitals are the main signs), herpes can be spread even when no symptoms are present and during skin-to-skin contact around the genitals, inner thighs, and anal region (not just during oral sex or intercourse!). Condoms can help to reduce the risk of transmission so experts recommend using condoms during foreplay or genital touching. Abstaining from sex during outbreaks and taking special medications can also help to reduce the spread of herpes. But remember, herpes can be spread even with the use of these forms of protection.

MYTH. Getting pregnant through anal sex is unlikely. In theory, it's possible that it could happen if semen from the anus gets into the vagina. With anal sex, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a much bigger worry than pregnancy. The risk of getting an STD like HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) is even higher with anal sex than vaginal sex. That's because the lining of the rectum is thin and can tear easily, allowing infection to get into your body.

MYTH. Don’t use female condoms and male condoms together because it can cause displacement of the condom and/or tearing through friction or sticking together.

MYTH. Remember, the only way to tell if a person has an infection is through clinical testing.

MYTH. Mono is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It usually occurs during the teen or college years, which causes a person to become extremely tired. It used to be called the “kissing disease,” however; it can be passed other ways too (shared drinks, etc).

MYTH. You cannot get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from masturbating on your own. This is true regardless of your gender.

MYTH. Yeast infections are not usually transmitted through sexual intercourse. Yeast infections are not considered a sexually transmitted disease NOR do they turn into a different infection or STD.

MYTH. No. Very few sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) survive for long in the open air. Although some STI’s can live in a hospitable environment (such as warm, wet towels) for a brief period of time, they can’t survive on a tanning bed. In fact, ultraviolet radiation is very effective at killing many bacteria and viruses. Sometimes, however, you may develop a rash (usually red and itchy) wherever your body has touched the tanning bed from the chemicals they use to clean the bed’s acrylic surface. Additionally, if you are taking certain medications (tetracycline, doxycycline, sulfa antibiotics, birth control pills, adapalene or isotretinion, to name just a few) they can cause a skin reaction.

MYTH. No, chlorine will not kill bacteria, or semen, that comes in direct contact with (or in) your body. A few important points here as to why having sex in a pool or hot tub is probably not the best idea: Lack of natural lubrication can make condoms more likely to break or slip off without either person realizing it. The lack of natural moisture can also cause friction…which can lead to tearing, which can lead to greater chance of acquiring an infection.

MYTH. Plastic wrap, baggies, and other household materials are not good substitutes for a condom. They don't fit well, can easily be torn, they can get displaced during sex and what happens to the semen and bodily fluids when it’s time to withdraw?? (they are likely to leak out) There is just no substitute for the real thing – CONDOMS.

MYTH. STI/HIV are spread 3 ways: 1)Sexually…which includes all bodily fluids such as vaginal secretions, pre-ejaculate (pre-cum), and semen. By definition, all Sexually Transmitted Infections (STD) can be sexually transmitted. 2) Through blood contact, but only some STD can be spread this way, such as Hepatitis B, C, syphilis and HIV. This form of transmission can occur when there are shared needles and syringes for drug use…however, this is also true for shared needles used for piercing and tattooing. Infection through blood transfusions is very rare now that blood banks routinely screen all donated blood for evidence of infection and discard any blood found to be contaminated. 3) Infection can spread from an infected mother to her child. Some STD can be transmitted from mom to baby during pregnancy, some upon delivery, and HIV can be transmitted through breast milk.

MYTH. While the symptoms may go away , the infection will remain. You will need to seek out recommended treatment for these infections. Without treatment, complications will likely occur – so don’t ignore symptoms or test results, seek treatment right away

MYTH. Actually, brushing and flossing can cause tears in your mouth/gums which can then increase your risk for both acquiring and transmitting infection. So, DO NOT brush or floss your teeth two hours before or after oral sex. …but If you are afraid of contracting an STD through oral sex, use a condom, dental dam, or plastic wrap when performing oral sex. On a side note there are novelty, flavored condoms made for oral sex. However, these are not intended for anal or vaginal.

You still need to practice safer sex. Keep in mind, there are different strains (types) of HIV. Even if you have HIV, you can still be infected with a different type/strain from the one you already have. You could even become infected with a drug-resistant strain of HIV. This can make it very hard for treatment to work. In addition, you can pass on or get other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that reducing the immune system even more, making those with HIV even sicker.

MYTH. While oral sex and manual sex are much lower risk activity than intercourse, there IS STILL a possibility for transmission. Not using a condom, dental dam, or other barrier puts both partners at risk.

MYTH. Only some sexually transmitted diseases are completely curable. STDs that are bacterial infections can be completely cured. STDs that are caused by a virus cannot be completely cured, but the symptoms can be treated or managed.

MYTH. This is simply not true. Most concerning part of this is that HIV conspiracy beliefs, especially those related to treatment mistrust, can contribute to health disparities by discouraging appropriate testing and treatment behavior, leading to even greater health disparities among those most at risk.

MYTH. Washing the genitals, urinating, or douching after sex will NOT prevent any STD.

MYTH. This is only true for bacterial infections: gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis - AND if you are treated with the appropriate antibiotic for the infection and if you take all your medication as prescribed. It is NOT true for viral infections. These infections will remain in your body. Medication can be given to reduce symptoms or outbreaks, but the virus remains in the body.

MYTH. This method is known scientifically as “coitus interruptus” and is one of the world's oldest forms of contraception (and not a super effective method at that). Withdrawl/Pulling-Out DOES NOT protect you, nor prevent, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STI)

MYTH. Left untreated, many STDs can lead to serious conditions if left untreated. Some infections can cause infertility, disseminate into other parts of the body or even possibly cancer. Worst case scenario, if left untreated syphilis and HIV could lead to death.

MYTH. MO law allows a minor to consent to any surgical, medical, or other treatment or procedures in case of STD testing and treatment. Therefore, parental or guardian consent is NOT required.

MYTH: You can indeed get gonorrhea, as well as many other bacterial and viral infections from engaging in oral sex.

MYTH. Symptoms often resolve without treatment, but the infection remains in your body. You must receive treatment with the appropriate antibiotic for the infection and take all the medication, as prescribed, in order to be cured for bacterial infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis). Viral symptoms may go away on their own but could reappear at any time.

MYTH. Blue Waffle is made up, and is NOT a real STD. If you Google it you will find a picture of what looks like very bruised and disfigured female genitals…but it is not a STD

MYTH. In most cases, you have to ASK for STD/HIV testing. A Pap Smear tests cells for indications of cervical cancer.

MYTH. Many STDs have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, especially in women. Some STDs may have symptoms that go away for a while but then come back. STDs can damage your body, and you can spread them to your partner even if you have no symptoms.

MYTH. In most cases, you have to request your medical provider to order STI/HIV tests. Do not assume your medical provider is testing you…but DO ask! Also, don’t assume you don’t have anything based on the day of visit. Results take a couple days to get back – so call the office and ask for your test results.

MYTH. In most cases, you have to request your medical provider to order STI/HIV tests. Do not assume your medical provider is testing you…but DO ask! Also, if you KNOW your medical provider tested you, don’t assume you don’t have anything based on the day of visit. Remember, you need laboratory testing performed and those results take a couple days to get back – so call the office and ask for your test results.