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5 Myths About STDs

Longoria OBGYN Blog 5 Myths About STDs

There are nearly 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States every year. With numbers that high, chances are good that you know someone who’s been diagnosed with an STD. 

Don’t take any chances when it comes to your sexual health. Schedule an STD screening with Dr. Leonardo A. Longoria K. here at Longoria OBGYN in El Paso, Texas, to get the treatment you deserve. If left untreated, you could develop pelvic pain or have trouble getting pregnant. Some STDs could even harm a baby or develop into cancer.

STD overview

Sexually transmitted diseases are sometimes referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They’re the same thing. These infections are highly contagious and spread through sexual contact with an infected person. 

They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and symptoms may include, pain, burning, foul-smelling discharge, itching, blisters, or sores. 

STDs include:

Learn to separate fact from fiction by exploring these 5 myths about STDs. 

1. All STDs are curable

An STD is a gift that keeps on giving. If you have herpes, for example, it’s with you for life. There is no cure. Antiviral medication can help keep the virus under control, but it never leaves your body. It will flare up when you’re stressed or when your immune system weakens. 

Syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis are the only STDs that can be cured with medication.

2. You can’t get an STD from oral sex

Any time there’s an exchange of body fluids or blood, you’re at risk of contracting an STD. So yes, you can get an STD from oral sex. 

3. You can catch an STD from a toilet seat

There is a very rare chance this could happen, but the odds are so small that it’s almost impossible. 

4. You can tell if someone has an STD

You can’t tell if someone has an STD by looking at them, and you may not even notice anything out of the ordinary on their genitals unless they have a discharge or open sores. The best way to protect yourself is to always use a condom for vaginal or anal intercourse or a dental dam for oral sex. 

We also recommend STD testing for both partners before having sex. That’s really the only way to know for sure because one of you could have an STD and not even know it.

5. You don’t have to worry about an STD if you’re in a committed relationship

We wish this were the case, but unfortunately, some people aren’t honest with their partners. They may be having an affair or just make a mistake one time and bring home an STD. The only way to know for sure is to get tested.

The only way to protect yourself from catching an STD is to not have sex of any kind. That’s not realistic for most people, so just be smart about it and put your health first and foremost. 

If you think you’ve been exposed to an STD, request an appointment for an STD screening today. Book online or call our office at 915-201-1165.

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