1. “You Can Only Get an STI from Penetrative Sex”
Fact: STIs can be transmitted through various forms of sexual activity, not just penetrative sex.
Oral sex, anal sex, and even intimate skin-to-skin contact can spread infections like Herpes, HPV, or Syphilis. Using barrier protection such as condoms or dental dams for all types of sexual activity in combination with regular STI testing reduces the risk.
2. “You Can’t Get an STI from Oral Sex”
Fact: Oral sex can transmit most STIs including Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, and Herpes.
Condoms or dental dams during oral sex in combination with regular STI testing helps to reduce the risk of transmission.
3. “You Can Catch STIs from Public Toilets”
Fact: STIs are transmitted through sexual contact, not casual contact with surfaces like toilet seats.
The bacteria and viruses that cause STIs don’t survive long outside the body. Focus on preventing transmission through regular STI testing instead.
4. “If I Wash Thoroughly After Sex, I Can’t Get an STI”
Fact: Washing after sex doesn’t prevent STI transmission.
Once an infection is introduced, washing won’t stop it from spreading. Using condoms and getting tested regularly are the most effective ways to prevent STIs.
5. “Using Two Condoms is Better Than One”
Fact: Using two condoms at once can actually increase the risk of breakage.
The friction between the two layers weakens the material. Stick to one condom and ensure it’s used correctly. Water-based lubricants work best with condoms, reduce the risk of breakage and can make sex more pleasurable and enjoyable.
6. “I Can Get an STI from Kissing”
Fact: Most STIs aren’t transmitted through kissing, but there are exceptions.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) also called Oral Herpes can spread through oral contact, including kissing, if one partner has an active sore. Other STIs including Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HPV can also be spread if the other partner has an active oral infection, however, the risk is low.
7. “Condoms Prevent All STI Transmission”
Fact: While condoms are highly effective, they don’t provide full or 100% protection.
Some infections, like Syphilis, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, HPV and Mpox, can spread through skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by a condom. Regular STI testing and vaccinations complement condom use for comprehensive protection.
8. “If I’ve Had the HPV Vaccine, I Don’t Need to Worry About STIs”
Fact: The HPV vaccine only protects against certain strains of HPV, not all STIs.
While it significantly reduces the risk of HPV-related cancers and Genital Warts, other infections like Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis or HIV still require prevention strategies like condoms and testing.
9. “If I Test Regularly, I Don’t Need to Use Condoms”s”
Fact: Testing is crucial, but it doesn’t prevent transmission in real time.
You could still contract an infection between tests. Testing works best when paired with consistent use of condoms or other barrier methods.
10. “Natural Methods of Prevention Work Just as Well”
Fact: STIs can be transmitted through various forms of sexual activity, not just penetrative sex.
Oral sex, anal sex, and even intimate skin-to-skin contact can spread infections like Herpes, HPV, or Syphilis. Using barrier protection such as condoms or dental dams for all types of sexual activity in combination with regular STI testing reduces the risk.
