As serious as STIs are, some misconceptions go around that make them sound even more daunting or less weighty than they really are. STIs are infections that are passed from one person to another mainly through sexual contact. They are caused by different species, including bacteria, viruses and parasites.

Common Misconceptions About STIs

You can’t get STIs from other forms of sexual contact

Multiple forms of STIs can be contracted without having vaginal sex. STIs can be spread through oral sex, anal sex, toilet infections, genital contact (genital warts, herpes), saliva. They can also be spread from mother to child through child birth, breastfeeding, pregnancy and through blood transfusions and shared needles.

STIs go away on their own

Many STIs stick around without causing noticeable symptoms, and can develop into long term health complications if they are left undetected. They are capable of being transferred between sexual partners. Not all STDs are curable, but medications help to manage them.

Contraceptives shield you from getting an STI

Although condoms offer one of the most effective protections against STIs, other contraceptive methods are incapable of protecting against STIs. Spermicides have generally been believed to have the capability of killing bacteria or organisms that cause STIs, but that is not the case.

Many STIs do not present noticeable symptoms for a couple of weeks, and during this period they are capable of being transferred from an infected person to another. It’s best to get checked frequently when engaging in sexual activities with a new partner or with more than one sexual partner.