5 STI myths busted

Chlamydia. Gonorrhea. Herpes. HIV. The thought of these sexually transmitted infections can be scary.

But widespread myths about these dangerous infections often lead to misinformation and failure to be tested.

With countless myths about the prevalence, symptoms and long-term effects of these infections, such individuals need to know the truth surrounding these risks in order to best protect themselves and their partners.

Dr. Rannveig Maria Middleton, an obstetrics & gynecology physician with Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Ill., breaks down five of the most common STI myths to help remind sexually active individuals of the importance of regular, thorough testing and follow-up treatment, if needed.

1. Myth: STIs are rare. The taboo nature of STIs often prevents people from discussing them. People dismiss the risk of contracting an STI and getting tested because they assume the infections are relatively uncommon. In fact, these infections are much more common than you may think.

“Our office probably calls someone every week with a new diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection,” Dr. Middleton says.

One in two sexually active individuals will contract an STI by age 25, and over 20 million new cases are diagnosed each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

2. Myth: You can’t catch an STI if you use birth control. Not all birth control is created equal. And contrary to popular belief, many do not protect you from the spread of STIs. While options such as the pill or an IUD prevent pregnancy, these precautions will not prevent STI contraction, as these infections are spread through physical contact and fluid exchange.

Condoms and dental dams are recommended as the most effective form of protection; however, be aware that these barriers still do not guarantee safety.

“Condoms are effective at preventing HIV, gonorrhea and chlamydia infections, but don’t always work against genital warts or herpes,” Dr. Middleton says. “Those occur more on the vulva and the base of the penis, where the condom doesn’t prevent contact.”

3. Myth: Two condoms are better than one. While this may seem like the best way to protect yourself from both unwanted pregnancy and the spread of infection, don’t be fooled. Using more than one condom actually increases the risk of the condom(s) breaking or tearing from the increased amount of friction, in turn amplifying the risk of being exposed to potential infection.

4. Myth: Chlorine and heat in a hot tub or pool kill STI germs, so you can’t get infected. Neither chlorine nor hot water are capable of killing the bacteria or viruses that cause STIs. Chlorine does break down latex, however, meaning that activity in these locations may increase risk due to a broken condom.

5. Myth: If you or your partner had an STI, it would be obvious. “Most women I diagnose with infections do not have any symptoms,” Dr. Middleton says. Many STIs such as herpes or the human papilloma virus (HPV) can lie dormant for weeks or months before a flare-up. Others, such as chlamydia, can develop slowly with little or even no symptoms. Although symptoms may not be clear, individuals can still transmit the infection to others and may suffer various complications including infertility if not treated in a timely manner.

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