Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections and viruses that can be passed through unprotected sex. Even though there is a lot of information about STDs, people still spread various myths and misconceptions. As a result, they don’t know what to do if they have STDs or even can’t recognize them. In this article, we have gathered nine debunked myths about STDs you shouldn’t believe in.
1. STDs are rare
It is essential to understand that STDs are very common. Millions of new infections occur every year in the United States. If you have never experienced symptoms of STDs or didn’t notice them in others, it doesn’t mean that you and other people don’t have them. That’s why regular STD testing is extremely important.
2. STDs always cause severe symptoms
Unfortunately, some STDs can develop asymptomatically or cause mild, not suspicious symptoms. For example, chlamydia usually doesn’t cause any symptoms in the initial stages. However, if left untreated, it can progress and lead to the development of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This condition is quite dangerous since it can lead to severe pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding between periods, and infertility.
3. All types of contraception save from STDs
Many people think that any type of contraception (barrier and hormonal) can help prevent pregnancy and STDs as well. But in reality, barrier contraception is designed to keep sperm out of the uterus and hormonal contraception suppresses ovulation and prevents conception. The only contraception option that helps decrease (but not eliminate) your risk of getting STDs is a male or female condom.
4. STDs don’t require treatment
It is important to understand that STDs don’t disappear over time without proper treatment. On the contrary, their symptoms become more severe. As mentioned above untreated chlamydia (as well as gonorrhea) can lead to the development of PID. Other STDs can cause unpleasant symptoms and increase your risk of infertility.
5. STDs don’t cause severe complications
In addition to the fact that certain STDs can lead to PID, certain strains of human papillomavirus (that is also transmitted through sex or skin-to-skin contact) can cause cervical cancer. If you are infected with cancerous strains of HPV, you need to undergo a Pap test and cervical biopsy to start treatment as soon as possible.
6. STDs can be passed only through vaginal sex
Sexually transmitted diseases can be passed through body fluids and even skin-to-skin contact. This means that you can get them during oral, anal, and vaginal sex. That’s why it is extremely important to use condoms during any type of sex.
7. Abnormal vaginal discharge always mean STDs
Even though abnormal vaginal discharges are deemed one of the most common symptoms of STDs, there are other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For example, bacterial vaginosis is a naturally occurring infection that causes foul-smelling discharge, vaginal itching, and pain during urination. Yeast infection (caused by Candida fungi) can also manifest itself through abnormal vaginal discharge, vaginal swelling, itching, and redness.
8. Douching helps prevent pregnancy and STDs
Many people believe that douching can help flush away the sperm from the vagina after sex. But it is important to understand that the sperm moves too quickly and it can fertilize the egg before you even start to douche. Additionally, douching can’t help you prevent infection with STDs. You should also know that douching interrupts the pH level of the vagina and can lead to bacterial vaginosis.
9. You can’t reinfect with STDs
There is a common misconception that people who were successfully treated for STDs can’t get reinfected. But the truth is that people can’t get immunity for STDs and you can easily get them right after the treatment. This is why your sexual partner or partners should be tested for STDs and treated (if necessary) at the same time as you.
The bottom line
It is important to understand that people that maintain sex life (with one partner or several) are at risk of getting STDs. Additionally, any type of sex can lead to infection with STDs. That’s why it is extremely important to use condoms during sex, get tested for STDs on a regular basis, and visit a doctor in case of any unusual symptoms.
