STIs & Testing: Debunking the Most Popular Myths
Myths are around sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Even though having sex is all about overall health, millions keep away from the test because they fear, believe in stigma or myth. Myths not just damage individual health but can possibly spread infection on a community basis.
Let’s get things straight. What we’re doing here is shattering the more common myths about STIs and STI testing—so you can make intelligent, informed decisions about sex.
- Myth: You’ll Know If You Have an STI
Reality: Most STIs don’t present symptoms—at least, not yet. You might be feeling as fit as a fiddle and still have and transmit an infection.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea often don’t present symptoms in women and men.
HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B may be asymptomatic for years and do you no harm.
Even herpes may be in its latent stage without visible sores.
Moral: Never think that you are STI-free simply because you don’t feel any pain. The only guarantee is through periodic tests.
- Myth: STIs Only Infect “Promiscuous” People
Fact: Anybody who is sexually active can become infected with an STI, whether they have many or only a few sexual partners.
Even being intimate with a single partner who has an untreated STI will infect you.
STIs do not discriminate—men and women of all ages, sexual orientation, or relationship status can get them.
Lesson: STI risk isn’t anybody’s lifestyle or personality but just unprotected sex.
- Myth: Condoms Prevent All STIs
Reality: Condoms are great at preventing risk, but not 100% guaranteed.
STIs such as HPV, herpes, and syphilis are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact without a condom.
Breakage or misuse also reduces protection.
Lesson: Practice safe sex, but don’t neglect to get checked every now and then—whether or not you use protection always.
- Myth: STI testing is painful or humiliating
Reality: Testing for STIs now only takes a few minutes, and it is largely painless, too.
The majority of tests are just a swab, a urine test, or a tiny little prick of blood.
Clinics also provide home testing kits, and it is even easier and more discreet.
Trained health professionals in sexual health clinics provide non-judgemental and confidential care.
Lesson: Testing is easier and more discreet than ever—there’s no need to be embarrassed.
- Myth: You Don’t Need Testing If You’re in a Relationship
Reality: Even if you have a steady partner, ongoing STI testing is still necessary.
Most people have infections unaware from past partners.
Some infections can potentially remain latent for months or years.
Commitment in a relationship is about open sexual health discussion and testing.
Lesson: Testing is not about trust, it’s about health. It’s an adult habit, not a sign of distrust.
- Myth: You Have to Go to Your GP to Get STI Testing
Reality: STI testing can be had at many locations other than your local doctor.
Sexually transmitted disease clinics, community health centers, and internet providers offer testing—free, typically.
There are mobile and walk-in centers in some areas.
Results are usually rapid, and counseling is offered if you require treatment.
Lesson: You have a choice. Select a method and place that suit you.
- Myth: If You’ve Had an STI Once, You’re Immune
Reality: Most STIs will reinfect you, even after treatment.
Having had chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or syphilis once will not prevent you from becoming infected again.
With HPV, there are many strains, and one vaccine won’t cover them all.
Lesson: Take precautions and continue with routine testing—even after past infections.
- Myth: STIs Only Affect the Genitals
Reality: The majority of STIs can infect other parts of the body besides the reproductive organs.
Oral sex transmits infection to the mouth and throat (e.g., gonorrhoea, syphilis, HPV).
HIV and hepatitis B infect the immune system and liver, respectively.
Syphilis can finally kill the heart, brain, and nerves if not treated.
Lesson: STIs aren’t secret in one place—get serious and consult a doctor.
- Myth: STI Screening Is Only Necessary for Individuals Under 25
Fact: STIs do not disappear with age.
In reality, rates of STI infection among adults are increasing because of ignorance and lack of protection.
Divorce, the Internet, one-night stands or other sex partners later in life make screening available to everyone.
Message: Sexually active or not, any age, STI tests are a healthy decision.
- Belief: It Takes Too Much Money or Too Much Time To Get STI Testing
Reality: Testing is short, free, and easily accessible.
Most sexual health clinics provide results within a few days or even 24 hours.
Free testing is available at NHS clinics in the UK and other services of a similar kind worldwide.
Home kits can be sent back and processed quite simply, quickly, and with less trouble.
Lesson: Testing is convenient enough to suit any budget or time. Do not let assumptions hold you back from care that you require.