The Impact of STIs on Conception: 29 Myths and Realities

Summary:

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can have a significant impact on conception, affecting both men and women. However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the topic that often lead to confusion and misinformation. In this blog post, we will debunk 29 common myths and explore the realities of how STIs can affect conception.

Myth #1: Only women can get STIs.
Reality: Both men and women can contract STIs, and they can have a significant impact on fertility for both sexes.

Myth #2: STIs only affect people who have multiple sexual partners.
Reality: STIs can be transmitted through unprotected sex with just one infected partner.

Myth #3: STIs can only be contracted through vaginal intercourse.
Reality: STIs can also be transmitted through oral and anal sex.

Myth #4: STIs are only a concern for young people.
Reality: STIs can affect people of all ages, and the risk increases with age.

Myth #5: STIs go away on their own.
Reality: Some STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can go away without treatment, but others, like HIV and herpes, are lifelong infections.

Myth #6: Condoms are 100% effective in preventing STIs.
Reality: While condoms are an essential form of protection against STIs, they are not 100% effective. They can break or slip, leaving individuals at risk for infection.

Myth #7: STIs only affect the genitals.
Reality: Some STIs, like syphilis, can affect other parts of the body, including the brain and nervous system.

Myth #8: STIs can be transmitted through toilet seats, sharing towels, or swimming pools.
Reality: STIs require direct contact with infected bodily fluids, so they cannot be transmitted through these means.

Myth #9: You can tell if someone has an STI just by looking at them.
Reality: Many STIs do not have visible symptoms, so it is not possible to tell if someone has an STI just by looking at them.

Myth #10: STIs are not a concern during pregnancy.
Reality: STIs can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby during childbirth, potentially causing serious health issues for the child.

Myth #11: You can’t get an STI if you’ve had one before.
Reality: It is possible to contract an STI multiple times, even if you have had it before.

Myth #12: STIs can be cured with antibiotics.
Reality: While antibiotics can effectively treat some STIs, others, like HIV and herpes, have no cure.

Myth #13: STIs only affect people who are promiscuous.
Reality: Anyone who is sexually active can contract an STI, regardless of their number of sexual partners.

Myth #14: STIs are not a big deal.
Reality: STIs can have serious consequences, including infertility, cancer, and even death, if left untreated.

The Impact of STIs on Conception: 29 Myths and Realities

Myth #15: You can’t get an STI from someone who doesn’t have any symptoms.
Reality: Some STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, may not cause noticeable symptoms, but they can still be transmitted to others.

Myth #16: STIs are easy to spot.
Reality: Many STIs do not have visible symptoms, and some symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions.

Myth #17: Oral sex is safe and cannot transmit STIs.
Reality: STIs can be transmitted through oral sex, and condoms or dental dams should be used to reduce the risk.

Myth #18: STIs are only a concern for gay and bisexual men.
Reality: STIs can affect people of all sexual orientations and genders.

Myth #19: You can’t get an STI if you use birth control.
Reality: Birth control does not protect against STIs, and individuals should still use condoms to prevent STI transmission.

Myth #20: STIs only affect people who are “dirty” or “immoral.”
Reality: Anyone can contract an STI, and it is not a moral judgement but rather a result of unprotected sexual contact.

Myth #21: You can’t get an STI if you’ve had the HPV vaccine.
Reality: While the HPV vaccine can protect against certain strains of the virus, it does not protect against all STIs.

Myth #22: STIs are a sign of infidelity.
Reality: STIs can be contracted from a partner who was previously infected, even if they were not unfaithful.

Myth #23: You can’t get an STI if you’re on your period.
Reality: STIs can still be transmitted through unprotected sex during menstruation.

Myth #24: You can’t get an STI if you use a diaphragm or cervical cap.
Reality: These methods do not protect against STIs, and individuals should still use condoms for STI prevention.

Myth #25: You can’t get an STI if you use a sex toy.
Reality: STIs can be transmitted through shared sex toys if they are not cleaned properly between uses.

Myth #26: You can’t get an STI if you’re not having penetrative sex.
Reality: STIs can be transmitted through any sexual contact that involves the exchange of bodily fluids.

Myth #27: You can’t get an STI if you’re in a monogamous relationship.
Reality: If one partner has an STI, it can be transmitted to the other, even in a monogamous relationship.

Myth #28: You can’t get an STI if you had a negative test result.
Reality: Some STIs, like HIV, can take months to show up on a test, so individuals should continue to practice safe sex even after a negative result.

Myth #29: STIs only affect the reproductive system.
Reality: STIs can also affect other bodily systems, such as the immune system and organs like the heart and brain.

In conclusion, STIs can have a significant impact on conception, and it is essential to understand the realities of how they can be transmitted and affect fertility. It is important to educate oneself, practice safe sex, and get tested regularly to prevent and treat STIs.