The sexually transmitted disease (STD) epidemic is continuing due to the spread of incorrect information. This means there's no limit to the spread of diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, etc. Hence it is highly necessary to stay informed and be able to distinguish facts from myths regarding sexually transmitted diseases.
What are STDs?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases/infections that pass from one person to another through sexual activity. The most common form is vaginal, oral, and anal sex.
However, they can also spread through other kinds of intimate physical contact. For example, sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes and HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and can be highly contagious.
Sexually transmitted diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The most common sexually transmitted diseases include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, and HIV.
6 Facts and Myths About Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Let's examine and debunk some of the common myths about STDs with facts:
Myth 1: You can see/tell whether your sexual partner has an STD or not
Fact Check 1: You can’t always tell by looking at your partner whether they have an STD or not
This is one of the most widespread myths about sexually transmitted diseases. The fact is, you can’t always tell by looking at a person whether they have an STD. Some sexually transmitted diseases only show up on tests.
People who have an STD might not experience any symptoms from it and could possibly carry and spread an infection even if they are feeling completely healthy. Hence, doctors prescribe blood tests to diagnose such diseases.
Untreated STDs can lead to infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may even lead to hospital visits. Therefore, it is advisable to get tested whenever possible.
Myth 2: Only people living in a “dirty environment” get STDs
Fact Check 2: STDs can affect anyone regardless of the environment
Sexually transmitted diseases don’t care about your societal status. They don’t discriminate. They affect both the rich and the poor, the healthy and the weak. It doesn’t matter whether you work out 7 days a week or binge eat all day; STDs can infect you either way.
Sexually active people are more vulnerable to getting an infection, and not everyone might know they've contracted one until they experience symptoms such as genital warts.
So what should you do?
In order to avoid getting STDs, make sure that you always use a condom or a dental dam while having sex. A dental dam is a thin, flexible piece of latex that protects against direct mouth-to-genital or mouth-to-anus contact. Both condoms and dental dams greatly reduce the risk of getting an STD.
Vaccines are also highly effective in preventing hepatitis B and HPV. These vaccines have represented major advances in STD prevention.
Myth 3: Oral or anal sex doesn’t cause STDs
Fact Check 3: Any form of sexual contact can cause STDs
STDs are a threat to those who engage in any kind of sexual contact, whether it be oral, anal, or vaginal. Even simple mouth-to-mouth contact can transmit these diseases. Hence, precautions are always necessary.
Many different types of viruses/bacteria can cause sexually transmitted diseases, and the vast majority of these can enter the body by coming into contact with tiny cuts or tears in the mouth, anus, or genitals.
For example, herpes can spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area without ejaculation.
Myth 4: STDs get cured on their own
Fact Check 4: STDs will not go away on their own
Unfortunately, most STDs will not go away on their own.
There are long-term side effects and health risks that come with STDs, so if you are noticing any symptoms related to STDs, don’t wait any longer and make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
Myth 5: There is no chance of getting infected by STDs multiple times
Fact Check 5: STDs can infect you multiple times
STDs can infect you more than once. Some STDs are permanent, like herpes and HIV.
Others can be treated with proper treatment and medications. But there is always a chance of getting infected again if you aren't careful.
So if you're sexually active, tell your doctor because they need to know. Your doctor can get you tested regularly and help prevent further infection and spread of STDs.
If you find out you have one, don't forget to let your partner know so they can also get tested.
Myth 6: Public toilets are a hub for STDs
Fact Check 6: Public toilets don’t spread STDs.
Since sexually transmitted diseases require a warm body to live and will most probably die outside of that environment, it is completely safe to say that public toilets don't lead to the spread of STDs.
Does that mean that it’s okay to neglect hygiene? No, of course not. But it is important to know that visiting a public restroom doesn’t result in sexually transmitted diseases. STDs can only be contracted from person-to-person contact.
Conclusion
Sexually transmitted diseases are a wide range of illnesses that impact your sexual and reproductive well-being and can have alarming consequences for your overall health.
So be cautious and take necessary precautions while being involved in any form of sexual intimacy.
