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
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
Fact: Although chlamydia and gonorrhea are both curable, they will not go away on their own. If these infections aren't treated, they can create long-term sexual health problems for both men and women. Play it safe: get tested for these STDs. If your test results are positive, a simple prescription antibiotic will put you on [...]
