Top 5 myths you believed about STIs

You voluntarily expose yourself to a variety of health dangers when you choose to get intimate with another person. It really doesn't take much, even skin-to-skin contact poses the risk of sexually transmitted illnesses (STDs). STDs are a tough topic, and recognising the difference between fact and fiction is critical to staying protected and safe. Let's bust some of the most frequent STD misconceptions to get to the bottom of them.

Myth 1: An STD cannot be acquired without sex.

Fact: Any type of sexual interaction might result in the transmission of an STD. To be clear, choosing an intimate act other than penetrative intercourse does not exclude the possibility of contracting an STD. This is due to the fact that the numerous viruses and bacteria that cause STDs enter the body through extremely minute incisions and tears.

Myth 2: You'll be aware if you (or your partner) have an STD.

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Fact: Many STDs have no obvious symptoms. It's not simply apparent indications; there are also unseen ones. Someone can be perfectly healthy and still have an STD (and give it to others). Even a doctor cannot tell by looking at you or asking you questions.

Myth 3: An STD may be contracted through a toilet seat. 

Fact: The culprit is not the toilet seat! In many circumstances, a virus begins to die as soon as it leaves your body, which means it cannot remain on a toilet seat and be taken up by another person. In some circumstances, such as HIV, the virus requires an open wound to enter your body and infect your circulation.

Myth 4: If you exclusively have oral sex, you can't catch an STD. 

Fact: STDs are easily transmitted via all types of intercourse, including vaginal, anal, and oral. The bacteria or virus that cause the illnesses might get into your body through minute skin and mucous membrane rips or wounds.

Myth 5: There is no probability of contracting an STD again after you've once had one. 

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Fact: Some STDs can be contracted more than once. Some STDs, such as herpes and HIV, are contagious for life. Others, like as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, may be cured, but if you have sexual contact with somebody who has STI, you may become infected again.

There are several myths regarding sex and STDs, and the ones listed here are only a handful of them. Fortunately, you simply need to memorise the following basic facts: 

• The greatest strategy to avoid STDs (and pregnancy) at a the greatest extent is to use a condom during any sexual intercourse. 
• If you are sexually active, get tested for STDs regularly.