Sexual Infection Protection
What's Up Down There?
STI Myths
See if common ideas about STI's are wrong.
“I would know if I had an STI.”
Many STI's have little or no symptoms, but can be bad for future health. Be sure. Get tested. Get treated.
“I would know if my partner had an STI.”
Again, STI's have little or no symptoms. Even if your partner has not had many partners before, be sure. Get tested. Get treated.
“I can't get an STI from oral sex.”
You can get an STI if you give or receive. Using a condom is safer, but not 100%. The only way to not get an STI is to not have oral sex. Get tested. Get treated.
“I can't get herpes if my partner doesn't have an outbreak.”
Per the CDC, 750,000 people get herpes every year. Many people have it and don't even know it. They can give it to someone else during sex before their symptoms ever show up. Be sure. Get tested.
“I can only get an STI from semen.”
Even if your partner doesn't ejaculate, you can still get an STI, especially if your partner has a cut or sore on his penis. Herpes and syphilis are skin-to-skin STIs. Be sure. Get tested.
“The pill prevents STI's.”
Birth control pills, shots, patches, rings, etc. help prevent pregnancy. They do NOT help with STI's. Condoms or other barriers are the only way to help prevent an STI. Be sure. Get tested.
“If I don't have a condom, I can use plastic wrap.”
Plastic wrap does NOT help prevent STI's. Most wraps have tiny holes that can let the STI's through. Get a condom. Get tested.
“I can double wrap for extra protection.”
Two condoms are not better than one. The condoms can rip as they rub together during sex. The CDC says that one condom=safer sex.
“Chlamydia isn't that bad and goes away on its own.”
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are very common, but are also very dangerous. They can cause scars that make it hard to have kids later in life. They can be cured with an antibiotic. Get tested. Get treated.
“I've been with my partner for years. I don't have an STI.”
People with STI's often don't have symptoms. It is hard to know for sure if your partner was clean before starting sex with you. Also, sometimes partners might cheat. Be sure. Get tested. Get treated.
“Unprotected sex in the hot tub is OK.”
The heat and cholorine do not kill the STI's or sperm. It is still possible to get the virus or bacteria and also become pregnant. Also, condoms might break down in the hot tub. Be sure. Get tested. Get treated.
“I do not have an STI. I have only had one partner.”
All it takes is one time. If your partner has had sex before, be sure. Get tested. Get treated.