Demystifying sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infection. Even just saying the word evokes uneasiness and may involuntarily cause you to speak in mumbled whispers.

But if STIs, as they are properly known (they’re also commonly called STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases), are not the stuff of polite conversation, then where are you getting your information about STI prevention? It’s time for a reality check to see if what you know—or think you know—about STIs is accurate and sound.  

Female Network sat down with two experts, Dr. Giovanni Templonuevo, Adolescent Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS Programme Officer of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Malou Tan, Public Health Nurse at the Manila Social Hygiene Clinic, to talk about common STI myths that are often mistaken for the truth.

Read on—what you may have thought to be STI fact may just turn out to be fiction.


Myth: Only people who sleep around get STIs.
Fact: STIs do not discriminate. It can happen to anyone.

There are an estimated 19 million new sexually transmitted infections diagnosed every year. These infections run across a wide range of ages, races, and genders. You can get an STI if you have unprotected sex—even if it is just one time—with an infected person. It can really happen to anyone,  even you.

Myth: I can’t get an STI—I’m in a monogamous relationship.
Fact: When you sleep with someone, you also sleep with their past.

This just means that even if you’ve only had sex with one person, you may not know who your partner slept with before you and if those past partner/s were STI-free.

Also, as observed by Malou Tan, there is a growing number of bi-sexual boyfriends and husbands who do not disclose their sexual orientation to their partners. These men engage in high-risk behavior which in turn exposes their wives and girlfriends to a higher risk of infection.

Myth: You CANNOT get an STI/HIV from oral sex.
Fact: Oral sex needs to be made safe, too.

You can get an STI, including HIV, from having oral sex. Most STIs are transmitted through vaginal fluids, semen and pre-ejaculate (the clear, colorless, viscous fluid that emits from the urethra of a man's penis when he is sexually aroused). Infection may occur if these fluids come in contact with sores or lesions in your mouth. Use a condom every time you have any kind of sex—vaginal, anal and oral sex.

Myth: If you have an STI you will see symptoms and know right away.
Fact: Many STI’s don’t have symptoms.

Foul-smelling discharge, itchiness in the genital area, and pain during sex and urination are all common symptoms of STIs. But these symptoms may not show up at all for some STIs. The best thing to do is to get tested. You can request an STI panel (to test your blood or urine specimen against other common forms of STIs) when you get your yearly pap smear. But if you’re sexually active and not monogamous, you should be tested every six months—and that goes for both men and women. Encourage your partner to get tested along with you.

Myth: Oral contraceptives prevent STIs.
Fact: The only thing that oral contraceptives can help prevent is pregnancy.

The proper and consistent use of a condom is still the best way for you to protect yourself from STIs. Proper use of the condom is of utmost importance. As pre-ejaculate may cause both STIs and pregnancy, the condom must be put on before any actual penetration takes place. So nix any temptation to get in a few raw thrusts before actually bagging it.
 

Myth: Two condoms are better than one.
Fact:  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and condom manufacturers actually warn against using two condoms at the same time.

This is one case where double bagging does more harm than good. Using two condoms for added safety will cause the condoms to rub against each other during sexual intercourse. This friction increases the chance of one or both condoms breaking or slipping off.

Staying aware of the myths about STIs is one way to stay safe. What you don’t know can hurt you, so it’s best to know what’s fact and fiction when it comes to your sexual health.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)