5 Common Myths About STDs

There are many STD myths that have circulated among teens. Unfortunately, most are false, causing teens to make unexpected trips to their doctors. Here are five STD myths that could make a difference in your life.

1. The pill prevents against STDs. Birth control pills prevent against pregnancy, life-threatening cancers and PMS pain, STDs is definitely not one of them.
2. You could only get herpes if you see an outbreak. Herpes can spread by skin-to-skin contact, even if a herpes outbreak is not visible. Out of the 70 million people suffering from herpes, 80 percent have no visible symptoms. Scary right?
3. You can’t get an STD from oral sex. Because skin inside of a person’s mouth is more sensitive than on the body, it is easier for a STD to get transmitted. This is why protection should always be used for any type of sex.
4. Only girls and boys who sleep around can get STDs.
   This is 100 percent false. Anyone could get an STD from having unprotected sex, even if it is their first time.
5. Chlamydia and gonorrhea go away on their own.
   Although both have cures, they can still cause life changing effects. Many people are unaware that they suffer from chlamydia or gonorrhea. If left untreated, these STDs can cause infertility and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, and infertility in men.

What Can You Do?

Get a group together to get tested for sexually transmitted infections. You can text your zip code to 498669 to find a testing center near you.

Sources:

STD Test Express

Herpes

Web MD