Top 5 Myths About STIs That Could Be Putting Your Health at Risk

Why STI Myths Matter

Misinformation about sexually transmitted infections is everywhere – passed between friends, found online, and sometimes even believed by those who should know better. These myths aren't just incorrect; they can genuinely harm your health by leading to risky behaviours or preventing you from seeking care.

Let's tackle the five most dangerous myths and replace them with facts.

Myth 1: "I'd Know If I Had an STI"

The Myth

Many people believe that STIs always cause obvious symptoms – pain, discharge, sores, or other clear signs. The thinking goes: if I feel fine, I must be fine.

The Truth

Most STIs, most of the time, cause no symptoms at all.

The statistics are striking:

• **Chlamydia**: 70% of women and 50% of men have no symptoms
• **Gonorrhoea**: 50% of women are asymptomatic; throat infections are almost always silent
• **Herpes**: Up to 80% of people with herpes don't recognise they have it
• **HPV**: Almost never causes symptoms until complications develop
• **HIV**: Can be asymptomatic for 8-10 years

Why This Matters

• You could have an infection for months or years without knowing
• You could be passing infections to partners
• Untreated infections cause serious complications (infertility, cancer, organ damage)
• The only way to know your status is testing

What to Do Instead

Don't rely on symptoms. Get tested regularly, especially:

• After new sexual partners
• At least annually if sexually active
• If a partner tests positive

Myth 2: "You Can Catch STIs From Toilet Seats"

The Myth

This is one of the oldest and most persistent STI myths – that you can catch infections from public toilet seats, swimming pools, or shared towels.

The Truth

You cannot catch STIs from toilet seats, pools, or casual contact.

STIs are called "sexually transmitted" for a reason. The organisms that cause them:

• Die very quickly outside the human body
• Require specific mucous membrane contact or blood exposure
• Cannot survive on surfaces like toilet seats

Why This Myth Persists

• It provides an "innocent" explanation for infections
• It predates our understanding of disease transmission
• Embarrassment makes people want alternative explanations

What to Do Instead

Focus on actual transmission routes:

• Unprotected sexual contact
• Sharing needles
• Mother-to-child transmission
• (Rarely) blood transfusion

Myth 3: "Condoms Provide Complete Protection"

The Myth

Using condoms means you're fully protected against all STIs.

The Truth

Condoms are highly effective but not 100% protective against all STIs.

Condoms work very well against:

• HIV (80-90% reduction)
• Gonorrhoea (significant reduction)
• Chlamydia (significant reduction)
• Hepatitis B (good protection)

Condoms provide less protection against STIs that spread through skin contact:

• **Herpes**: ~30% reduction (sores may be on uncovered areas)
• **HPV**: ~70% reduction for some types (affects uncovered skin)
• **Syphilis**: Variable (depends on sore location)
• Pubic lice: Minimal protection (live in pubic hair)

Why This Matters

• Condoms are still essential and highly recommended
• But they're not a guarantee
• Additional strategies (testing, vaccination, communication) are also important

What to Do Instead

• Use condoms consistently – they significantly reduce risk
• Get vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B
• Test regularly
• Communicate with partners about STI status

Myth 4: "Only Promiscuous People Get STIs"

The Myth

STIs only affect people who have many sexual partners or engage in "risky" behaviour. If you're in a relationship or don't have many partners, you're safe.

The Truth

Anyone who has sex can get an STI, regardless of number of partners.

Consider these facts:

• You can catch an STI from your first sexual partner
• You can catch an STI from a long-term partner who has an undiagnosed infection
• Many people with STIs contracted them from committed relationships
• Some infections (like herpes and HPV) are so common that most sexually active people will encounter them

Why This Myth Is Harmful

• It creates shame and stigma around STIs
• It prevents people from getting tested ("I'm not that type of person")
• It leads to false security in relationships
• It perpetuates judgment rather than health-focused behaviour

What to Do Instead

• Recognise that STIs are a health issue, not a moral judgment
• Get tested regardless of how many partners you've had
• Test when entering new relationships
• Reduce stigma by talking openly about sexual health

Myth 5: "If I've Been Tested and I'm Clear, My Partner Must Be Too"

The Myth

If you test negative for STIs, your partner must also be negative – otherwise, you'd have caught it from them.

The Truth

Both partners need to be tested; negative results aren't automatically shared.

Why your negative result doesn't guarantee your partner's status:

• Different STIs have different transmission rates – you might not catch it every time
• Window periods mean recent infections might not show up yet
• You might have been tested for different infections
• Some tests have limitations and can miss infections

Why This Matters

• Your partner could have an infection they haven't passed to you yet
• They could have an infection you weren't tested for
• Assumptions replace the certainty that testing provides

What to Do Instead

• Both partners should get tested
• Discuss results openly
• Consider testing together before stopping condom use
• Remember that testing is for peace of mind, not suspicion

Bonus Myths: Quick Debunks

"You Can't Get STIs From Oral Sex"

False. Herpes, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HPV can all spread through oral sex.

"STIs Are Immediately Obvious – Doctors Can Tell By Looking"

False. Many STIs require specific tests to diagnose. A visual examination isn't enough.

"Once You've Had an STI and Been Treated, You're Immune"

False. You can catch the same STI again. There's no lasting immunity.

"Only Gay Men Need to Worry About HIV"

False. HIV affects people of all genders and sexual orientations.

"Washing After Sex Prevents STIs"

False. While hygiene is good, washing doesn't prevent infections.

The Real Keys to STI Protection

Replace myths with evidence-based strategies:

1. **Get tested regularly** – the only way to know your status
2. Use condoms consistently – highly effective, especially against HIV, gonorrhoea, chlamydia
3. Get vaccinated – HPV and hepatitis vaccines prevent infection
4. Communicate openly – discuss testing and status with partners
5. Seek treatment promptly – most STIs are easily treated when caught early

The Bottom Line

STI myths don't just spread misinformation – they spread infection by creating false confidence and preventing people from seeking appropriate care.

The truth is simple: STIs are common, often asymptomatic, and can affect anyone who is sexually active. Regular testing, consistent protection, and open communication are your best defences.

Get Tested Today

Don't let myths put your health at risk. Book your confidential STI test and know your status for certain.