Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, have seen a resurgence in local media, particularly on social media platforms such as Facebook. Before the advent of social media, STDs were mainly talked about in sex education in schools, where teachers often scare students with grotesque images of genitals infected with STDs. Sex was discouraged during these sessions, and the moral of the story was usually: “Don’t have sex because you may get an STD.” Till today, some adults are still affected by what they learnt in school. However, with the internet, more people have clearer access to information about the risks of STDs. More questions have popped up in people’s minds as they read on: Will I get an STD if I only have oral sex? Why should I put on a condom if I know there is no chance of pregnancy? As a reputable STD clinic in Singapore, we are here to guide you. Here are some common misconceptions about STDs.

1. I will always get an STD if I have sex

This is definitely untrue. STDs are only present in people who have been infected, and the only way that you can get an STD is to have sex with an infected party. Most people in Singapore do not have any STDs. However, it is good to note that those who have sex more often are more likely to have STDs.

While abstinence is still the surefire way to prevent an STD, there are other measures that you could take to minimize the risk of contracting an STD.

2. If I am on the pill, I will not be infected with STDs

While taking contraceptive pills can help to prevent pregnancy, it does not prevent the transfer of viruses and bacteria, both of which could lead to an STD infection. This is one of the most common misconceptions – that there is no risk to unprotected sex as long as the lady is on the pill. Other methods of protection, such as the condom, is still essential in further minimizing the risk of getting an STD.

3. Without physical symptoms, I do not have an STD

Sometimes, some STDs do not show any symptom, and that is the reason why people can be infected with an STD and do not realise it. These STDs include the very common chlamydia, and HIV. Patients with these infections can go for months without showing any symptom. However, they can still transmit these STDs to others when they have sex with them. You can only confirm if you have such STDs if you go for an STD testing in Singapore. Sexual health doctors recommend having one STD screening a year – more if you are more likely to be at risk. Most people test for one or two STDs that they may be at the most risk for, in order to save costs. It is good to discuss with your sexual health doctor about your condition, so he can advise you on which STDs you are more likely to have, and which tests you should take.

Conclusion

While STDs are more talked about today, there are still persisting rumours that sometimes we can’t shake off. The more we learn about these diseases, the better we can prevent and combat them should need be.