Sex can be a wonderful experience for many, but it also carries important responsibilities. We all know, what may follow after incredibly exciting moment with your partner – Sex can spread STI’s and cause pregnancy (which is a great news, if you and your partner wants a family, or not so great, if you are not ready for it yet). This is why it is important to approach sex as a thoughtful and informed decision and you should know how to protect yourself.
In this articles we will focus on STI’s – mainly on myths that you have propably already come across when searching for the information online.
Anybody who has sex may be at risk for sexually transmitted infections. Actually, STI’s can be spread during different kinds of sexual activity: from oral, anal, vaginal sex, to skin-to-skin genital touching (touching without clothes). Some infections can be spread through body fluids like semen, vaginal fluids, and blood, and others can be passed when the skin of your mouth or genitals rubs against the skin of someone else’s genitals.
Here is the important part – pretty much any type of sexual contact with another person — where there’s body fluids or genital skin touching — can put you at risk for STIs. The best way to protect yourself is using condom, getting tested regularly and being informed about it.
Even if STI’s are common issue and most of people get one at some point in their life, they can usually be cured or treated. If you want to know more about this topiic, check out our resources here: https://alexbot.eu/materials/essential-lessons-for-youth-on-srh-topics/sexually-transmitted-infections/
In this article we will discuss and debug some of the most frequently written myths about STI’s that can be found on the internet. Check it out!
#1: MYTH: You can tell if someone has an STI just by looking at them.
Not true.
Many STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HPV, often have no visible symptoms, especially in the early stages. Relying on appearance alone is not a safe or effective way to assess someone’s health status and the only way to know if someone has an STI is through testing. This also means that you can have an STI without knowing it for many years.
#2: MYTH: Vaccines cause infertility.
Not true. The HPV vaccine is widely recommended for both boys and girls to prevent some types of cancers and other health issues, related to exposure to a human papapillomavirus. There is no scientific evidence that vaccines, including the HPV or Hepatitis B (another virus, that can also be spread with sexual intercourse) vaccines, cause infertility. In fact, preventing HPV can actually protect fertility by reducing the risk of cervical cancer and other complications that could affect reproductive health.
#3: MYTH: If you don’t have symptoms, you don’t have an STI.
Not true: Many STIs are asymptomatic, meaning they show no symptoms, especially in the early stages. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV, for example, can be present without any noticeable signs. Regular STI testing is crucial for sexually active individuals to detect and treat infections early. If you find out you have an STI, do not keep this a secret from your partner, you both deserve a proper medical care.
#4: MYTH: STIs will go away on their own without treatment.
Not true: As it was written in the beginning, most STIs require treatment to be cured or managed. Bacterial STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be cured with antibiotics, but if left untreated, they can lead to serious health complications. Viral STIs, such as herpes and HIV, cannot be cured but can be managed with medication. Leaving STIs untreated increases the risk of spreading them to others and can lead to long-term health problems.
#5: MYTH: You can’t get an STI if you’re in a committed relationship.
Not true. Being in a committed relationship does not eliminate the risk of STIs. If one partner get a STI, this does not mean there is cheating in your relationship. If either partner has had previous sexual partners, there is a possibility for a STI. Additionally, STIs can be transmitted even if neither partner shows symptoms. Regular testing and open communication about sexual health are important in any relationship.
#6: MYTH: Douching after sex or »pulling out« method can prevent pregnancy and STIs.
Not true: Douching does not prevent pregnancy or STIs and can actually increase the risk of infection. It can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, leading to infections like bacterial vaginosis. It can also push bacteria further into the reproductive tract, increasing the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease. Additionally, the withdrawal method, is not a reliable way to prevent pregnancy or STIs. Pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm and STI pathogens. Furthermore, some STI’s can be transmisssed by contact so STI transmission are still possible.
These myths are pervasive online and can contribute to misunderstandings and risky behaviors if not addressed properly. Stay healthy and informed with Alex!
Education, such as that provided by the Alex chatbot, plays a crucial role in debunking these myths and providing accurate, reliable information to young people. Check out the lessons on STI’s topics (and many more) on Alex’s website www.alexbot.eu/materials or chat with Alex to find out more about sex, relationships and other!
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