Myths and Facts about STDs
Image from CDC website
There are many myths about STDs that are passed down from word of mouth from one person to another. These myths are generally false with very little actual truth.
The myths discussed below are just a few of the myths prevalent within the gay community.
Read below to find out more information.
Remember: There is nothing sexy about Sexually Transmitted Diseases!
For a complete list of sexual activities and the risks they pose for transmitting HIV or other STDs visit www.aids.gov, risky business web-site. To access it, CLICK HERE
The myths discussed below are just a few of the myths prevalent within the gay community.
Read below to find out more information.
Remember: There is nothing sexy about Sexually Transmitted Diseases!
For a complete list of sexual activities and the risks they pose for transmitting HIV or other STDs visit www.aids.gov, risky business web-site. To access it, CLICK HERE
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Myth: It's important for me to clean myself out using enemas or by douching before having anal sex or being fisted.
Fact: Using enemas or douching before anal sex or fisting is not recommended because they remove the mucous lining of the anus which protects against infections. Without this natural protection, getting HIV could be more likely. Myth: If I had an infection, I'd know about it? Fact: Many people who have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) will not have any symptoms, or won't notice symptoms that are inside the throat or butt (anal canal/anus). Although symptoms may disappear after a short amount of time, the infection itself won't go away. Myth: I already have HIV so other STDs don't matter. Fact: Hepatitis C is one infection that can seriously screw up your health. Many other infections can also cause your HIV viral load to rise dramatically. In other words, there's more HIV in your body to damage your immune system. A high viral load also makes it more likely that you'll pass on HIV during unprotected sex. Myth: I've been vaccinated for hepatitis C. Fact: You may have been vaccinated for hepatitis A or hepatitis B, but hepatitis C is a different virus, and there's no vaccine for it. It's also the most serious type of hepatitis.
Myth: I've never slept with someone with HIV Fact: Maybe they didn't say they had HIV. There's a good chance you've had sex with HIV positive guys who just didn't tell you. Myth: Men with HIV are in the big cities, not where I live. Fact: More HIV positive men live in big cities, but guys with HIV are in all areas of the country. |
Fact: Cold sores are blisters in or around the mouth, caused by herpes simplex virus. If, for example, a man with a cold sore sucks your penis, you may get herpes blisters on your penis.
Myth: You can't catch anything serious through oral sex. Fact: About half of gay men who get syphilis catch it through oral sex. Many other STDs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, are easily transmitted this way, and often don't have any noticeable symptoms. That's why a throat swab is usually taken during an STD check up. Myth: STD tests are too painful and are best avoided. Fact: It's true that swabs from the penis can be uncomfortable for a few seconds, but more and more clinics are now using urine and blood tests. There are lots of myths about the objects they put down your penis (your urethra; the tube where your pee leaves your body) when having an STD test, but a thin q-tip is used. Myth: I expect someone with HIV to tell me before sex, especially if a condom's not used. Fact: The fact is HIV is rarely mentioned before sex and many men with HIV feel they have good reasons not to say they have it. Myth: All men with HIV should say so before having sex. Fact: The reality is many men with HIV don't say anything. And lots of infected men (about a third) don't know they are HIV positive, so they can't tell you they have HIV because they don't know themselves. Myth: The law says someone with HIV must say they have it before unprotected sex. Fact: People often don't obey the law. Despite what the law says many men with HIV still won't tell. |
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Tests: Find places where you can get free HIV/STD testing in Wake County.
Condoms: Find places where you can get free condoms in Wake County.
For general information about Wake County’s HIV/STD program and testing, please call 919-250-3950.
Do you have questions about HIV/STDs that you want answered? E-mail questions to: std.program@wakegov.com
To see all other resources in Wake County, North Carolina & the United States, CLICK HERE to return to our resources and links page.
Condoms: Find places where you can get free condoms in Wake County.
For general information about Wake County’s HIV/STD program and testing, please call 919-250-3950.
Do you have questions about HIV/STDs that you want answered? E-mail questions to: std.program@wakegov.com
To see all other resources in Wake County, North Carolina & the United States, CLICK HERE to return to our resources and links page.
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