It's crucial to understand that STIs can be transmitted through various means beyond intercourse, many have no symptoms, and some are curable while others are manageable, not curable.
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Myth: You can only get an STI through sexual intercourse.
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Fact: STIs can be transmitted through oral sex, anal sex, skin-to-skin contact, sharing needles, and even from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.
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Myth: You can tell if someone has an STI by looking at them.
Fact: Many STIs have no symptoms, or symptoms can be mild and easily mistaken for other conditions.
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Myth: Only people with multiple partners get STIs.
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Fact: Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI, regardless of the number of partners.
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Myth: All STIs are curable.
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Fact: Some STIs, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, are curable with antibiotics, while others, like HIV and herpes, are manageable but not curable.
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Myth: STIs only affect teens and young adults.
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Fact: Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI, regardless of age.
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Myth: Using birth control pills or other forms of contraception protects you from STIs.
Fact: Condoms (both male and female) are the only form of contraception that can reduce your risk for getting an STI.
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Myth: If you don't have any symptoms, you don't have an STI.
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Fact: Many STIs have no symptoms, or symptoms can be mild and easily mistaken for other conditions.
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Myth: STIs are only transmitted through vaginal sex.
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Fact: STIs can be transmitted through oral sex, anal sex, skin-to-skin contact, and other means.
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Myth: If you've had an STI, you can't get it again.
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Fact: You can get reinfected with an STI even if you've had it before.
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Myth: STIs can't be transmitted through kissing or touching.
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Fact: Some STIs, like herpes, can be transmitted through kissing or touching infected areas.
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Myth: Sharing food or utensils can transmit STIs.
Fact: STIs are not transmitted through sharing food, utensils, toilet seats, or swimming pools.