There is certain an air of ignorance about Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Nobody seems to really be sure what they are, or how they are contracted, or what are the chances of you contracting one against another. Many rumours are spread about this STD or that, but not all information is accurate. Here are five common myths about STDs.
1.Oral sex isn’t risky
This is a common misconception when it comes to sexual relations. You are really at risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS, but there is still a danger of contracting such diseases as genital herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis and the human papillon virus (HPV). There is real to believe – in fact – that oral sex is one of the causes of throat cancer, so it’s advisable to use a condom of sorts to negate any risks.
2.Older people don’t need to worry about STDs
Older people are as much at risk of acquiring STDs, as young people are, if they are neglectful and lazy in promoting safe sex. There is nothing to say that older people cannot contract STDs, they just don’t tend to be as promiscuous as younger people. However, older people may not be as street-wise about safe-sex as the younger generation. Older women also run the risk of cervical cancer, for two reasons; one is that they may stop being screened because they no longer use contraceptives, and the other reason is because they may have been infected with HPV already.
3. I can’t acquire herpes from somebody with no symptoms
Another common misconception is that only individuals whose herpes is “active” can transmit the virus to another. This certainly isn’t the case. Although this is the most infectious kind, people who show no visible signs of herpes – but who never-the-less have the virus – can still transmit it to another individual. So once again, the use of a condom is important.
4. It’s a man’s job to carry a condom
Many women feel that it’s a man’s job to provide the condom to ensure safe sex, but any proactive woman should carry them as well. Sex can often be spontaneous and it can be very frustrating – and dangerous – to find yourself in a position to have sex with no contraception available. It can be tempting to go ahead without it, but this isn’t advisable.
5. My doctor should know if I have an STD
Many of the symptoms are unrecognizable, so a doctor wouldn’t be able to tell you if you have an STD or not during a simple health check-up. You would need to have a special screening to check for certain STDs. A doctor will typically not screen for these during a routine check-up.
So, there are 5 common myths about STDs explained. Stay safe.
