Let's talk STIs: Myths vs Facts

Myths vs. Facts: We’re checking your STI knowledge 

We are doing a knowledge check to see if you’re up to date on the latest info. Our providers get a lot of questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and we know there are some things you might be afraid to ask. We're here to clear up some common misconceptions about STIs. Understanding the facts can help you make informed decisions about your sexual health and protect yourself and your partners. 

Myth #1: "I'd know if I had an STI because I'd have symptoms"

Fact: Many people think they would "feel it" if they had an STI, but that's simply not true. Many STIs are sneaky little troublemakers that don't announce their presence with obvious pain, itching, or other clear warning signs. You can feel completely normal while carrying infections that spread through sexual contact.

Sometimes the signs are easy to miss, like a little discharge or a burning sensation.  These symptoms are often mistaken for a yeast infection, bladder infection, or simple irritation, and so they get ignored. As a result, someone can have an STI for months or even years without knowing it. During that time, it can still damage their body and potentially affect their ability to have children later.

The only way to really know if you have an STI is to get tested, not to wait for symptoms to appear. Trust us, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to offer a safe space for all your questions.  

Myth #2: "You can get STIs from toilet seats, towels, or shared clothing"

Fact: Here's the good news for germaphobes everywhere: the bacteria and viruses that cause STIs are surprisingly picky about their living conditions. They don't survive well outside the cozy environment of the human body, and die quickly on dry surfaces like toilet seats, towels, clothes, or bedding.

STIs spread through close sexual contact, vaginal, oral, or anal sex, where there's direct skin-to-skin contact and contact with body fluids. Sitting on a toilet seat or using a towel after someone else just isn't the same as that intimate contact.

Scientists have studied whether germs that cause vaginal infections can live on toilet seats. For example, when they tested toilet seats in public bathrooms for one STI called trichomoniasis, they never found the parasite. This is because:

• The parasite doesn't survive well on dry surfaces like toilet seats
• Even if a few parasites were present, there wouldn't be enough to cause an infection
• Regular bathroom cleaning kills these organisms

While laboratory studies show the trichomoniasis parasite can survive for several days in special liquid solutions kept at cool temperatures, real-world conditions on toilet seats are very different. Toilet seats are typically dry and cleaned regularly, making them a poor environment for the parasite to survive.

The bottom line: While public toilets can be gross (and we're not judging your hover technique), you're not going to get an STI from one. The real risk comes from unprotected sexual activity, not bathroom surfaces.

Myth #3: "If I've had an STI once and was treated, I can't get it again"

Fact: If only our bodies worked like video games where you defeated a villain and they never came back. Unfortunately, being treated for an STI doesn't give you a protective shield. This is especially true for bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Getting reinfected is pretty common; actually, really common. Many people who've had chlamydia or gonorrhea get them again within a year, particularly if their partners weren't tested and treated, or if they continue having unprotected sex. Treatment clears the infection from your body at that moment, but you don't develop lasting protection.

If you have unprotected sex with someone who has that STI, you can get a new infection even if you were treated before.

The best way to lower your risk is to practice safe sex techniques, get tested regularly, and make sure partners are treated and cleared before resuming sexual activity.

Myth #4: "All genital bumps or sores are STIs"

Fact: Not every genital sore, bump, or spot is from an STI. Your body is complex, and there are many innocent explanations for mysterious bumps, including:

• Skin irritation from shaving or tight clothing (hello, chafing!)
• Bacterial skin infections
• Cysts or ingrown hairs (the worst)
• Allergic reactions to soaps, detergents, or condoms
• Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions
• Harmless skin tags

Some are completely harmless and go away on their own, while others need medical treatment, but they're not STIs.

Only a healthcare provider can tell by examining or testing what it really is, so don't panic and assume every bump means you have an STI. When in doubt, get it checked out.

The Bottom Line

Your sexual health matters, and knowledge is power. Don't let myths and misconceptions keep you from taking care of yourself. Get tested regularly, use protection, communicate with partners. Remember most STIs are preventable, and those that do occur are often easily treatable, especially when caught early.

Have questions about STI testing or prevention? Talk to your trusted One Medical provider. We believe your health and privacy are important, and we're here to answer all your questions.