Debunking the college myths about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and importance of getting tested.

1. Myths about Sexually
Transmitted Infections (STIs)
1
0

3. 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

4. FACT
Almost all STI’s that can be passed through vaginal sex can
also be passed through unprotected oral and anal sex.
The possibility of contracting an STI from oral sex is generally
less risky as compared to vaginal or anal sex, although any
unprotected sex with someone who has HIV or an STI carries
some risk.
*Unprotected anal sex is riskier then oral or vaginal sex.
Oral and anal
are not really
sex, so they
are the safest.
MYTH 9

5. FACT
Although medication can help individuals with HIV infection
live longer and healthier lives…
 There is no vaccine to prevent HIV
 There is no cure for those who are already infected.
Condoms are highly effective in preventing the spread of
HIV through sex
There is a cure
for HIV/AIDs
MYTH 8

6. FACT
One condom does the job.
Condoms when used consistently and correctly are highly
effective in preventing the spread of STIs.
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

7. FACT
Wouldn’t that be nice if sex at the Cottages hot tub protected
against STIs? Well, it doesn’t and neither does douching or
jumping up and down.
The ONLY way 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
STIs.
MYTH 6

8. FACT
Anyone who has unprotected sex, regardless of the number
of partners, is at risk for STIs.
Many STIs do not show symptoms and you can’t tell by
looking at someone if they have an STI.
Annual STI testing is recommended for everyone, even those
in committed relationships.
STI testing is
only for
people
hooking up.
MYTH 5

9. FACT
Withdrawal or “pulling out” is NOT an effective means to
prevent STIs or pregnancy.
Withdrawal is significantly less effective at preventing
pregnancy as compared to contraceptives.
The only safer 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

10. FACT
Many STIs are curable and most, including hepres, are
treatable.
The sooner you know if you have an STI, the sooner you can
get treatment and take steps to prevent passing it on.
Talk to a health care provider at UNH Health Services about
getting tested. There are different treatments for different
If I get an STI
there is
nothing I can
do about it.
MYTH 3

11. FACT
Even though some STI testing may be recommended as part
of routine health care, you may need to ask to get tested.
STIs often show no symptoms, so not even your health care
provider can know for sure if you have an STI without testing.
And for women, a pap test is not a test for STIs.
If I needed to get
tested for STIs my
health care provider
would test me.
MYTH 2

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

13. UNH HEALTH SERVICES
unh.edu/health-services/gyt

14. “I used a condom and she still got pregnant”
“I made him use a condom but I still got
herpes”
A common myth is that one gets
pregnant or an STI because the
condom broke.
IN REALITY...
If a condom is used CORRECTLY the
ENTIRE TIME HAVING SEX, it
should protect against pregnancy and
STIs.

16. There is no single test that can screen for all
STIs.
The type of STI test(s) you need can vary with
age, sex, sexual orientation and sexual history.
Some STIs are so common among young adults
that annual testing is recommended.
Your STI test at Health Services may include a:
- Physical exam
- Urine sample
- Discharge, tissue, cell or oral fluid sample
- Blood sample
All testing at Health Services is confidential.
Pricing varies based on what STI tests our health
care provider recommends.
Contact UNH Health Services to find out what testing is right for you
(603) 862-2856
unh.edu/health-services/gyt
Getting Tested at UNH
If your test comes back positive, breath &
remember that most STIs are treatable & many
are curable.

17. 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 quite 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