FAQs Archive - Reproductive Healthcare of the Bighorns |

Q: Myth: Hardly anyone gets an STD these days.

Fact: Millions of people get an STD every year. You might think you won’t because: You only have sex with one partner You’d never have sex with someone who has an STD You use birth control

Q: Myth: Only people with lots of sex partners get an STD.

Fact: You can get an STD from just one partner if he or she has an STD. You can get an STD the first time you have sex if your partner has an STD. The younger you are, the more vulnerable your body is to an STD. If you have several partners, the chances increase that you’ll be with someone who has an STD because it is common.

Q: Myth: You can't get an STD from oral or anal sex.

Fact: Whether you give or receive, you can get an STD from unprotected oral sex. Some people think oral sex doesn’t “count” as real sex. But, oral sex is sex. It can bring up the same feelings as other kind of sex and put you at risk for STD. STD risks are actually higher with anal sex! An STD will pass from one moist body part (genitals) to another (mouth). Many STDs including herpes, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and syphilis, can be spread during oral sex. Always used a condom when you have sex to protect you and your partner. Also, get tested and get peace of mind.

Q: Myth: If you or your partner have an STD, you can tell by looking.

Fact: If you're sexually active, the only way to be sure you aren't infected with an STD is to get tested. Many STDs develop slowly and have little, or no, symptoms. Some are curable, some are not. But all STDs, if left untreated, can lead to significant health problems. So don't wait until you see something weird or start feeling sick. Get yourself tested today. Ask your partner to get tested and put both your minds at ease.

Q: Myth: You can only catch herpes when your partner is having an outbreak.

Fact: It may surprise you, but many people who have herpes don't know it. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 750,000 people are infected with herpes every year! Herpes symptoms can lie dormant for weeks before an outbreak occurs. So even if your partner looks and feels healthy, they could be infected and pass the herpes virus to you. Only an STD test that screens for herpes can tell you for sure whether you have it or not. Be smart - get tested and ask your partner to get tested too.

Q: Myth: Only certain “types” of people get STDs.

Fact: Like all things in life, it's best not to judge a book by its cover. People from all walks of life can (and do) get infected with STDs. STDs don't care if you're straight or gay, male or female, old or young – anyone who is sexually active is at risk. With nearly 20 million new infections diagnosed across the U.S. every year, it's just smart to get tested and know the status of your own sexual health.

Q: Myth: Having sex in a pool or hot tub is okay because chlorine will kill off STDs.

Fact: This myth is a classic, and it's completely false. Neither chlorine nor hot water will kill the bacteria and viruses that cause STDs. And while condoms can help you have safer sex, latex condoms can break down in a hot tub. So don't count on the pool for protection. Get tested and be sure you are STD-free.

Q: Myth: You can only get an STD from semen.

Fact: Some STDs, like herpes and syphilis, can be spread with skin-to-skin contact. For example, during a herpes outbreak, active sores appear. When these sores come into contact with your skin or other moist areas like your mouth or throat, the herpes virus can spread. Getting tested is the only way to be sure you haven't been exposed or contracted an STD.

Q: Myth: The Pill prevents STDs.

Fact: The Pill does not prevent STDs. It is only designed to prevent pregnancy. If you are using the Pill because you think it provides protection against STDs, you need to get tested.