Adapted from UNH Health Services, this PowerPoint discusses common myths about sexually transmitted infections.

1. Myths about Sexually Transmitted
Infections (STIs)
Adapted from UNH Health Services
10

3. FACT
Ah, if only life were that easy. Many STIs often show no symptoms. Many
people who have an STI do not know it. That is why getting tested is so
important.
1 in 2 sexually active people will get an STI
by age 25. Most don’t know it.
You can tell
by
looking at
someone if
they have an
STI.
MYTH 1

4. FACT
Whether it is apparent to you or not that you or your partner has an STI, you
can still transmit or contract it. For those STIs that cannot be cured, they can
be transmitted at any point, not just during an outbreak.
STIs often show no symptoms, which means it is always best to use
protection, outbreak or not.
You can only
transmit/contract an STI
during an outbreak
MYTH 2

5. FACT
Wrong. Many partners convince their loved ones that there is no way they
could have given them an STI; they must have contracted it from a toilet seat.
Although this seems likely, you did not contract your STI from a toilet seat. No
matter how much you trust your partner, you should always use a condom just
to be safe.
I can get an
STI from a
toilet seat
MYTH 3

6. FACT
Withdrawal is significantly less effective at preventing pregnancy as compared
to contraceptives.
Withdrawal or “pulling out” is NOT an effective means to prevent STIs or
pregnancy.
The only safe sex option that protects against both pregnancy and STIs is
condoms.
If he pulls out I
don’t have to
worry about getting
pregnant and/or
an STI.
MYTH 4

7. FACT
Wouldn’t that be nice if sex in the hot tub prevented pregnancy? Well, it doesn’t
and neither does douching or jumping up and down.
The ONLY way (if you’re having sex) to prevent the spread of STIs AND
pregnancy is to use a CONDOM.
Having sex in a hot
tub, standing,
douching or jumping
up and down after
sex protects against
pregnancy
MYTH 5

8. FACT
No matter how many times you have or haven’t had sex the possibility of
conceiving a child is always there. The only 100% effective way to prevent
pregnancy is by remaining abstinent. Contraception methods are very effective
and should always be used, but there is only one 100% effective way to prevent
pregnancy.
You cannot
get pregnant
the first time
you have
sex
MYTH 6

9. FACT
Using more than one condom can create friction between the two, causing
both of them to be compromised.
Condoms when used consistently and correctly are highly effective in
preventing the spread of STIs. One condom does the job.
Each latex condom manufactured in the U.S. is tested for holes before packing. Before use,
check the expiration date and make sure the condom hasn’t been damaged. Free condoms
available at Health Services.
Two condoms
are better than
one, that is
why I “double
bag.”
MYTH 7

10. FACT
Any sexual interaction, even kissing, is an opportunity to contract an STI.
It is always a good idea to openly communicate with any sexual partners about
STIs and contraception. STIs do not discriminate. Every single person is
susceptible to contracting an STI, no matter what.
I cannot contract an
STI from a same sex
interaction
MYTH 8

11. FACT
Almost all STI’s that can be passed through vaginal sex can also be passed
through unprotected oral and anal sex.
ANY unprotected sex with someone who has HIV or an STI carries risk.
Oral and anal
are not really
sex, so they
are the safest. MYTH 9

12. FACT
Contraceptive methods such as the pill, patch, ring, IUD and Depo prevent
pregnancy, but NOT STIs.
Condoms are the only method of protection against BOTH pregnancy and
STIs.
For max protection use both a contraceptive method and condoms.
I use
contraceptives,
I don’t need to
worry about STIs.
MYTH 10

13. Smart
thinking!

14. You can reduce your risk
of getting STIs by talking
openly with your
partner(s).
Telling Your Partner(s) You Have an STI
This is going to be hard, but your partner needs to know so he/she can get tested and
treated, if necessary.
 Bring it up to your partner(s) when you are ready
 Practice what you are going to say in a journal or with a friend
 Find a time when you can really have time to talk
 Find a quiet place with privacy
 Tell him/her all that you know
 Encourage your partner(s) to get tested
 Talk about how you can both integrate condoms into your sex life