9 sexual health myths addressed

This is a myth. Oral contraception can not secure in opposition to contracting an STI.

As Dr. Mann described to MNT, “oral contraception […] only is effective to avoid pregnancy. The only way to defend you from finding an STI when working with oral contraception is by carrying a condom.”

Mirroring this, the CDC states: “Birth handle solutions like the pill, patch, ring, and intrauterine gadget (IUD) are extremely productive at preventing pregnancy, but they do not safeguard towards [STIs] and HIV.”

The so-termed withdrawal approach, also referred to as coitus interruptus or the pull-out strategy, is when the penis is pulled out of the vagina in advance of ejaculation. Despite the fact that it may perhaps minimize the prospect of being pregnant, “the withdrawal system is not a reputable way to avoid pregnancy,” mentioned Dr. Mann.

When applied accurately, it can lessen the hazard of pregnancy, but precision can be difficult in the warmth of the minute.

Furthermore, the penis releases pre-ejaculate, or pre-cum, before ejaculation. In some cases, sperm can be present in this fluid.

In a person review, for occasion, experts examined samples of pre-ejaculate from 27 individuals. The experts recognized practical sperm in 10 of the participant’s pre-ejaculate.

Every volunteer delivered a highest of 5 samples. Interestingly, the researchers identified sperm in either all or none of their samples. In other text, some people are inclined to have sperm in their pre-ejaculate, while other individuals do not. The authors concluded:

“[C]ondoms need to continue to be utilized from the first minute of genital speak to, while it could be that some adult males, less very likely to leak spermatozoa in their pre-ejaculatory fluid, are ready to practice coitus interruptus more correctly than some others.”

Using the withdrawal approach, “you can however get an STI, this sort of as HIV, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia,” explained Dr. Mann.

It is easy to understand why individuals could believe two condoms would provide twice the safety, but this is a myth.

“It is in fact extra dangerous to use two or much more condoms when owning sex,” said Dr. Mann. “The chance of the condom breaking is greater owing to the amount of money of friction the condom is enduring. A single condom is the finest solution.”

This is maybe just one of the most persistent myths involved with STIs. Yet, even with currently being frequently debunked, it remains a fantasy. Dr. Mann told MNT:

“STIs are spread by way of unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and by genital call and sharing sex toys.”

She also spelled out that the viruses that cause “STIs are unable to endure for extensive outside the house the human system, so they frequently die speedily on surfaces like bathroom seats.”

In the same way, the microorganisms accountable for STIs, these types of as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can’t endure outdoors the body’s mucous membranes for a considerable volume of time. For that purpose, they would not survive on a bathroom seat.

This is not real. Having said that, while they can be taken care of, not all can be fixed. The WHO points out that 8 pathogens make up the wide the vast majority of STIs.

Four of the 8 are curable: the bacterial bacterial infections syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, and the parasitic infection trichomoniasis.

The remaining four are viral: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV). These simply cannot however be fixed. However, it is worthy of noting that HPV infections are usually cleared by the physique the natural way.

“Penetrative intercourse isn’t the only way an individual can deal an STI. Oral intercourse, genital get hold of, and sharing sexual intercourse toys are other ways that STIs can be unfold,” Dr. Mann instructed MNT.

Outside of sexual contact, it is also feasible to deal an STI from exposure to blood that incorporates the infectious pathogen, together with through sharing needles.

This is an additional longstanding and entirely incorrect assumption. In accordance to Dr. Mann:

“Anyone, irrespective of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, or gender, can deal HIV. If you have HIV and never know it, you’re additional most likely to pass it on. But if you know your status, you can make certain you and your partner(s) are taking techniques to stay healthier.”

Dr. Mann underscores the relevance of tests, describing that in a lot of countries, “testing is free, easy, and private. You can even do a examination in the ease and comfort of your possess property.”

“A ton of people today move on STIs to some others with no even figuring out,” claimed Dr. Mann. “STIs can be spread with signs and symptoms or with out.”

Certainly, the WHO describes that “[t]he the greater part of STIs have no signs or only delicate signs or symptoms that might not be regarded as an STI.”

“That is why,” Dr. Mann discussed, “it is critical to be examined on a regular basis and to use a condom to avoid STIs as much as doable.”

To summarize, STIs are popular but preventable. Typical screening and being familiar with how to hold by yourself secure are critical to remaining STI-free.