5 myths about STDs

So much wrong information about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) gets passed around that it’s no surprise the diseases do too. Of course, the only way to be 100% sure you won’t get an STD like herpes, chlamydia, or HIV, is not to have any type of sex (abstinence). But if you do decide to have sex, you’ll need to stay informed and learn what’s true — and what’s not. Here are 5 of the more common things that people get wrong about STDs.

Myth: Only “trashy” people get STDs.
Fact: STDs don’t discriminate.

Myth: If your partner has an STD, you’ll see it.
Fact: There’s often no sign that a person has an STD.

Myth: You can avoid STDs by having oral or anal sex.
Fact: Where there’s sex (oral, anal, vaginal, or even just sexual contact), there can be STDs.

Myth: Once you’ve had an STD, there’s no chance of getting it again.
Fact: You can get some STDs more than just once.

Myth: If you get checked and you’re STD free, your partner doesn’t need to get checked as well.
Fact: Your partner could have an STD and not know it.

There are tons of myths out there about sex and STDs — the ones above are just a few of them. Luckily, you only need to remember two essential truths:

Use condoms.

Get tested.