6 Misleading Theories About STIs That You Should Know About

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – often used synonymously with Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) – are, as the name suggests, illnesses that are passed down from one individual to another during sexual intercourse Some of the most common STIs, that you’ve probably heard the name of, include chlamydia, gonorrhea, warts, herpes, pubic lice, syphilis, and scabies. 

These diseases have been among us from almost the beginning of civilization. And at present, we’re able to combat these diseases and prevent them from spreading. Yet, despite all the advancements in science and technology, and STI treatment and prevention methods, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions regarding this type of illness. These baseless ideas confuse people and lead them into believing things that are not scientifically proven. So, to help you get a grip on these myths, here are 6 misleading theories about STIs that you should know about.

#1 STIs can’t be passed down through oral sex

STIs can be passed on through anal, vaginal, as well as oral sex. The theory that oral sex doesn’t allow the passing of these infections is false and baseless. As long as human genitalia are involved in the intercourse, an STD infected person can infect their partner/s. 

The risk of getting infected via oral sex, however, is lower than that from vaginal or anal intercourse. However, it’s still considered a risk, and should be treated as such. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), syphilis, and gonorrhea are some of the most common STIs that are passed on through oral sex.

#2 Condoms guarantee 100% protection against STIs

Condoms are effective in preventing the spread of STIs. However, the idea that they offer a hundred percent protection against these infections is not true. Even when you’re wearing a condom, there will still be some skin-to-skin contact with your partner. And as little as that contact might be, it’s still more than enough for the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and infections like chlamydia, herpes, HIV, etc.

Yet, even if condoms don’t guarantee full protection against STIs, you still need to wear them during sex. Although not foolproof, they’ll still keep you safe to a great extent.

#3 You’ll only get an STI if you have sex regularly

It doesn’t matter whether you’re having sex with one person or a hundred, or having it once a year or daily. For you to be infected from an STI, once is enough. No matter whether you’re sexually active or not, if you’ve had sex at least once in your life, that’s enough to get you an STI.

#4 Homosexuals are at a greater risk of catching an STD

This is arguably one of the most baseless STI-related theories out there. STIs don’t judge you on your sexuality or gender. As long as one infected individual is involved in the intercourse, the other is always going to be at risk of catching the disease. The involvement of genitalia will always lead to the passing of these infections.

A similar misleading theory is that drug addicts are at a greater risk of getting infected with STDs. However, this is also not true. Although such practices can lead to the transmission of the diseases, it doesn’t mean that people, who do drugs, are at a greater risk than those who don’t.  

#5 You can’t die from an STI

STIs are not very dangerous, and with the proper treatment, they can be cured. Future infections are also preventable given that people take necessary precautions. However, that doesn’t allow us to dismiss the fact that STIs can’t lead to death. People are still dying from sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS. Newborns from an infected mother are at a greater risk of dying. Thus, to think that you can’t die from an STI is nothing but foolishness and being oblivious to the consequences. 

#6 STI treatments are ineffective and embarrassing

Getting treatment for an STI is not enough to prevent the infection or disease from returning, but that doesn’t mean that it’s ineffective. A patient suffering from such diseases can fully recover within a matter of weeks or months if they follow proper guidelines. Afterward, however, they do need to take necessary precautions, especially during intercourse, so that they don’t get infected again. 

Also, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to seeking treatment for sex-related diseases, and you shouldn’t listen to people who say otherwise. If you’ve got any worrying symptoms, just make an appointment with an STI clinic and get yourself checked. These clinics play a vital role in the public health sector, and it doesn’t cost much to get checked for STIs. You might even be able to avail these checkups for free, depending on your health insurance.