Fake News: 7 Myths About Sexual Health

Would you consider yourself a sexpert, or does your knowledge about sexual health need a refresh? Misbeliefs around sexual health can have damaging consequences. Better2Know are here to bust the myths and get the facts straight.

There are many misconceptions about sexual health and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Whether it is something you read online or heard from a friend, false information can be very misleading. It’s important to know the facts in order to keep safe and protect your health. So, here are 7 myths – and their truths!

Myth: ‘If I had an STI, I would know about it’

Fact: Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Many people with an STI do not show any symptoms of an infection. In fact, around 80% of women and 50% of men do not show any signs of Chlamydia. Regular testing is always advised to make sure an STI does not go undetected.

Myth: ‘An STI will eventually disappear without treatment’

Fact: An STI will not go away by itself. However, most STIs can be easily treated and cured with a course of antibiotics. Early detection is important. The longer an infection is left untreated, the more serious the potential health implications become. These health risks vary depending on the type of infection, ranging from infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and damage to vital organs in the body.

Myth: ‘A swab test is painful and embarrassing’

Fact: You may feel uncomfortable at the idea of having a swab taken, but the process is quick, simple, and pain-free. Our clinicians have seen it all before, so there is no need to feel embarrassed. You are taking responsibility for your sexual health which is the most important thing to remember.

Myth: ‘STIs only affect young people who have sex with multiple people’

Fact: As the saying goes, once is enough to catch a sexually transmitted infection. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of catching an STI – no matter their age, gender, or sexuality. STIs do not discriminate and nobody is immune.

Myth: ‘If I use a condom, I am protected against all STIs’

Fact: Apart from abstaining from sex, condoms are the most effective method to prevent STIs. However, they are not 100% effective and do not cover the whole genital area. It is possible to catch some infections including Herpes and Syphilis through skin-on-skin contact alone.

Myth: ‘My STI test and results will appear on my medical records forever’

Fact: When you test with Better2Know, all your personal information is kept private and confidential. We will never share your results with anyone else without your permission. If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can even choose to be anonymous for your tests.

Myth: ‘You cannot catch Herpes from someone unless they are having an outbreak’

Fact: Herpes can be spread even when a person has no visible symptoms. This is known as a process called ‘asymptomatic viral shedding’. It most often happens in the early stages of infection, and just before or after an outbreak.

You can find more information about STIs on our website. If you have additional questions about sexual health, please do not hesitate to contact our highly trained advisors by phone or live chat.