Debunking some of the most common STD / STI myths.
"I won't get it if we just do it orally."
"As long as he pulls out, I'm okay."
"I'm good if we just do it anally, not vaginally."
"I'm safe with sexual contact because I don't have any penetration and we just touch each other."
How do I get an STD/STI?
A STD/STI is transmitted sexually – that is any type of sexual contact. Sexual contact includes genital touching, vaginal, oral and anal sex. Yes! Even genital touching can spread infection. If you are heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, have had several partners or just one – you are at risk of exposure.
How can I protect myself from an STD/STI?
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Abstinence
The best and most effective way to protect yourself from an STD/STI and/or unwanted pregnancy is abstinence. In fact, abstinence is 100% effective 100% of the time. Some of you might be thinking that everyone has sex. But that’s simply not true. There are a lot more people practicing abstinence than you think. The Center of Disease Control found that 40% of high school students were practicing abstinence. That’s a lot!
Use Condoms
Used correctly, a latex condom can help decrease STD/STI exposure. This does not mean it is 100% effective. You can still get pregnant or an STD/STI when using a condom. Condoms work best by protecting you from infections that are spread through genital fluids. However, you can still be exposed to other types of STD/STIs just by skin-to-skin contact. Also, you may need lubricant when using condoms. Make sure you use a water-based lubricant. These can be found at any drug store. But, if you use an oil-based lubricant like massage oil, lotion or Vaseline, it can cause the latex in the condom to break down and cause the condom to malfunction. Check out this Center of Disease Control Condom Fact Sheet on how to properly use condoms.
Stand in Your Power
Engaging in any type of sexual activity is an extremely personal choice that encompasses your body and mind. This decision can have lifelong effects that include pregnancy and STD/STIs. The most important thing is that you take care of you. Communicate your sexual past with your partner and ask them questions about theirs. If you choose to continue to engage in any sexual activity, demand to use a condom. This is your life. It is wrong to feel manipulated, pressured or coerced into engaging in sexual activity. You have the right and the power to say NO in any situation. It doesn’t matter if you’re just about to have sex right at that second – you can change your mind. You can say no at any time.