Top 10 Myths About STDs

Wrong. You can. Don't let anyone tell you that unprotected oral sex is 100% safe sex. Going down, giving head, blow jobs, going downtown, whatever you call it - if you do it or it's done on you, you could be at risk for getting an STD. Maybe you're thinking, "Well, it's only a problem if you have an orgasm." Not true. There's evidence that pre-ejaculate can cause infections. Especially if there's an open sore or your gums are bleeding. Use a condom or dental dam when you have oral sex for better safety.

Not Exactly. You may be surprised to know that a lot of people have herpes and don't even know it. You can get herpes from someone who looks healthy and feels fine. It's catching even when there's no visible outbreak. Doctors recommend using a condom with a partner who has herpes - even when he or she is between outbreaks. And if you're not sure if you have herpes, the only way to know is to get tested. Symptoms don't always show up. Of the almost 70 million people with genital herpes, 80 percent have no signs or can't recognize them. Yeah, it's amazing.

No, don't believe it. Many STDs are silent. They don't cause any symptoms at all. So it's not a case of "I'll believe it when I see it." Unless, of course, you have microscopic, X-ray, DNA-detecting vision. What we're saying is - get tested if you are concerned about STDs. Play sexual defense.

If only that were true. 19 million new infections are diagnosed every year. Not everyone is a player. In fact, the nicest, most innocent, sweetest, smartest, coolest, "cleanest", straightest, loyal, non-cheating types have STDs. The opposite is just as true. This is definitely a case of "don't judge a book by its cover." You can't be an STD detective.

Good try. This is a suburban legend. Chlorine is not a disinfectant and will not kill an STD-causing bacteria or virus. It will not kill sperm. Chlorine is not a condom. A condom is a condom. And latex condoms in hot tubs can break down.

This is like MacGyver sex. Plastic wrap is not a good substitute for a condom. Most wraps have tiny holes. Health educators will, however, recommend plastic wrap to be used instead of a dental dam for oral sex. But it's still a risk. Use a condom and don't improvise.

Really? Are you a special kind of diagnostic vampire who can take blood and urine samples and process the specimens? Look, we don't know each other and we don't know your partner. And we're not saying that your partner sleeps around. But STDs are often "silent". No telltale bumps, rashes, or other signs. You can't tell if someone has an STD. The only way to know for sure is to get tested. Get tested together. That way you can get some rest.

No, not true. While semen and blood can spread some STDs, like herpes and syphilis can be spread with skin on skin contact. For example, when herpes flares up, an active sore appears. When this sore comes into contact with your skin or other moist areas like the mouth, throat, and areas with cuts or rashes, it can spread. It can also be spread before the blisters actually form.

Birth control pills prevent babies, not sexually-transmitted infections.

Here's the bad news. You or your sex partner may have chlamydia or gonorrhea and not know it. And now the good news: both of these infections are curable with antibiotics. And, yes, untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea can be a big deal. Left untreated, these STDs can lead to infertility and something called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) This disease harms the fallopian tubes in women and can cause a dangerous pregnancy called a "tubal pregnancy." With guys, untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea can lead to an inflamed prostate, urethral scarring, infertility, or epididymitis.

You'd think so, but no. First - ouch. The CDC and the condom makers warn against this idea of 2 condoms. Why? It's about friction. The condoms rub against each other during sex and increase the chance of one or both breaking or slipping off.