MTV and CDC join forces to dispel common STD myths

MTV and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently enlisted the help of several celebrities to help educate young viewers about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and address some common misconceptions about the infections, according to an article published by the Los Angeles Times.

Musical performers Ludacris and Travie McCoy, along with Jersey Shore star Vinnie Guadagnino and Catelynn from the television network's reality show Teen Mom, discussed healthy sexual behaviors and encouraged sexually active teens to seek STD testing, the newspaper reported. Health experts from the CDC also provided medical advice and explained that myths such as 'you can tell someone has an STD by looking at them' are not true.

MTV's 10 Most Outrageous Sex Myths aired during the last week of April, which is STD Awareness Month, the news provider noted.

According to the CDC, adolescents account for about half of the 19 million new STD infections that are reported each year in the U.S. The organization states that 46 percent of high schools students have engaged in intercourse and 14 percent have had four or more sex partners.