Separating 6 STD Truths From the Myths

There is a minefield of myth and rumour out there when it comes to STDs and STD testing. Here, we deal only in the facts, putting some of the most common misconceptions to bed for good.

Myth No. 1:

You can tell that somebody has an STD just by looking at them.

Truth:

Many of the most common STDs have very limited symptoms, and some are even symptomless. As such, there is no way that you could tell somebody had an STD just by looking at them. In fact, as the majority of STDs are detectable only by STD testing, there are many people who are unaware that they are infected. The limited and unobvious nature of STD symptoms means that it is very important to ensure that you take a regular STD test.

Myth No. 2:

Being on the contraceptive pill means that I am protected from STDs.

Truth:

This is 100% wishful thinking. Birth control pills can prevent you from getting pregnant, but they cannot keep you safe from sexually transmitted diseases. If you're on the pill, be sure to be doubly safe and use a condom as well. If you have a long term partner and want to rely only on the pill, be sure that you continue using condoms until you have both taken an STD test.

Myth No. 3:

I can't get an STD if I'm pregnant.

Truth:

Contrary to popular belief, pregnancy does not offer any protection from STDs. The chances of contracting an STD are just as high for pregnant women as for anybody else, but the consequences are much more severe. STDs during pregnancy can lead to complications such as the onset of early labour, and the STDs can affect the baby in some cases. If you are thinking of trying for a baby, it is advisable to get an STD test before you begin.

Myth No. 4:

You can catch STDs from toilet seats.

Truth:

There have been no proven cases of STDs being transmitted from a toilet seat. The majority of sexually transmitted diseases can only be caught via sexual activity or via the blood. The most common exception to this rule is the Herpes virus, however the virus is fragile and will not survive on a surface such as a toilet seat.

Myth No. 5

STDs can make me infertile.

Truth:

Unfortunately this is not a myth. About ten per cent of women who have contracted either Chlamydia or Gonorrhea will develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease which can later result in infertility. Regular STD testing can catch the infections before PID develops.

Myth No. 6

All STDs can be cured.

Truth:

Sadly, not all STDs can be cured. A course of antibiotics can clear up diseases such as Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Syphilis relatively quickly. However there are other STDs that cannot be treated. The most serious of these is HIV which can later develop into AIDS, which leads to immune deficiency. However, less severe STDs such as Herpes and Hepatitis are also incurable and will stay with you for life. Though not all diseases can be cured, it is important that they are identified through STD testing so that they are not spread any further.

With so many rumours afoot about sexually transmitted infections, it is often hard to separate the truth from the myths. However it is much better to be safe than sorry, undertake STD testing rather than believing everything you read.

Tim Leach is part of USALabTesting that provide confidential, online STD testing. With over 2,000 clinics across the USA and a large range of STD Tests available, getting peace of mind is discreet, easy and painless.

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