Myth: I don’t have any symptoms so I don’t need to be tested.
False – You won’t always be able to tell if you or your sexual partner has an infection, some cases may show obvious symptoms like a rash, lumps or discharge, but in some cases, there may be no signs or symptoms at all. This goes for syphilis and chlamydia, they can stay in the body for months or even years without presenting any symptoms at all. A lack of symptoms isn’t a guarantee of safety, so if you have a new partner or it’s been over a year since your last STI test, we recommend that you get checked out.
Myth: I don’t have symptoms so I have nothing to worry about.
False, similar to the above question, this is false, going back to chlamydia, this doesn’t show symptoms and can be very dangerous. The infection can affect the reproductive system in both men and women and can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease as well as infertility.
Myth: An STI Test will hurt.
False, the majority of STI testing is done via urine or blood tests, if a swab is needed because you have symptoms, this is nothing to worry about as it is mildly invasive and not painful. A swab is just a larger version of a cotton bud.
Myth: STIs are easy to treat so there’s no need to worry.
False, the more common STIs like syphilis and chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics however some are for life, while they can be managed and treated, STDs like herpes and HIV will remain in the body. Gonorrhoea is treatable however, the most recent strain of super-gonorrhoea isn’t.
Myth: I haven’t had many sexual partners so I don’t need to get tested.
This is false, there has been stigmas attached to having multiple sexual partners and while it is true that the more sexual partners you have the more you increase your risk of catching an STI, it’s still very possible that you could catch a sexually transmitted infection or disease from one single sexual encounter.
Myth: I’m in a monogamous relationship so I don’t need to get tested.
False, every time you change partners it’s essential that you talk about and cover your sexual health history. It’s also a great idea for both you and your partner to get tested at the start of your relationship, this is to make sure that neither of you passes on any past, lingering infections.
Myth: STIs aren’t passed on via oral sex.
False, while the risks of passing on a STI through anal or vaginal sex is lower, some infections can still live in the throat, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Myth: Syphilis isn’t a STI that you can catch anymore.
False, while syphilis was prevalent throughout the 15th century, particularly in Italy and France, it’s still very much around and more recently there has been a 20% increase of syphilis diagnoses over the past 10 years in the UK.
Myth: It’s only the younger generation that tests positive for STIs and STDs.
False again, while certain STIs seem to be more prevalent in younger people, sexually transmitted infections and diseases can be passed on to anyone, no matter your age. You can catch an STI at any age, no matter what stage of life you are in, with this in mind STI diagnoses have actually increased by over a third in the past 10 years in people between 50 and 70 years old.
Myth: You can’t get an STI twice.
False – you can get the same STI more than once, should you come into contact with it when having unprotected sex.
Myth: All STIs have symptoms that are obvious.
False, a lot of STIs and STDs start with flu-like symptoms, this includes fatigue, fevers, nausea and vomiting, as well as headaches, back pain, water infections and joint pain, these are all symptoms of STIs.
Myth: An STI test is embarrassing.
False, there is no shame at all in having an STI test, it’s taking care of your health and the more you look after yourself the better quality of life you will have.
There are many myths about STIs that can lead to people experiencing them without knowing it. At Broadgate GP, we provide a range of services including a sexual health service and GUM clinic for those who live in London. If you’re unsure about any symptoms or just want to chat with someone, come along! You can book online or contact our team for an appointment.
