5 STD MYths Busted

For some, the college experience is more than just about education. The college years be a time of exploration, meeting new friends and finding oneself amongst the chaos that is sometimes higher education. As you pack up your childhood bedroom and move into a campus dormitory, prepare yourself for overpriced school books, a range of headaches during finals week and the benefits of practicing safe sex.
It might be surprising but 1 in 2 sexually active young adults will get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) before the age of 25. That’s why it’s so important that students educate themselves on how to safe should they engage in sexual activity. Keep reading as we debunk five myths pertaining to STIs:

Myth #1 – Birth Control Prevents STIS.
FACT: Many birth control prescriptions decrease your chance of getting pregnant, however, it does not prevent STI contraction as these infections are spread through physical contact and fluid exchange.
Condoms are effective at preventing HIV, gonorrhea and chlamydia infections, but don’t always work against genital warts or herpes.

Myth #2 – STIs are untreatable.
FACT: Many STIs are curable and most, including HIV, are treatable. The sooner you know that you have an STI, the sooner you can be treated for it and prevent it from spreading to another person.

Myth #3 – Only people who ‘hook up’ should get tested.
FACT: If you have had unprotected sex no matter the number of sexual partners, you are at risk for STIs. Because some STIs don’t have noticeable symptoms, it is recommended that individuals have an annual STI testing.

Myth #4 – The ‘pull out’ method prevents STIs and pregnancy.
FACT: This method is not effective at preventing STIs or pregnancy. Condoms and other contraceptives should be used to prevent the passing of sexual diseases to another and decrease chances of pregnancy.

Myth #5 – Symptoms will appear if you have an STI.
FACT: Folks can have an STI and not show any existing symptoms. Many STIs such as herpes or the human papilloma virus (HPV) can lie dormant for weeks or months before a flare-up. Chlamydia can develop slowly with little or even no symptoms. Though symptoms may not be noticeable, infections can still transmit to others and some individuals may suffer various complications including infertility if not treated in a timely manner.

Remember, be safe while you’re out enjoying college life! Should you have a concern about safe sex practices, pregnancy or any other sexual health-related question, stop by the AB Wellness to chat with a provider.