When it comes to sex and sexuality a lot of myths and misconceptions may exist. Sometimes the topic can become a stigma for society when learning about it and incorrect information might be transmitted. Some of the most common myths include things like how are STIs/STDs actually transmitted or questions about using a condom. The American Sexual Health Association states several common myths and clarifies them:
One of the most common questions include:
- You can get herpes from a toilet seat. You actually can’t. It is almost impossible to get herpes from a seat. The virus does not survive by itself on the seat so you can only get it by direct skin-to-skin contact from an infected person. So, if you use the same seat at the same time were there could be contact with another person, you can’t get herpes.
- You can’t get HIV from getting a tattoo or a piercing. Actually this is a myth, if the needle is not properly cleaned and it was used on an infected person before you, you can contract the disease. A needle or any material used to cut or pierce the skin should be only used once or sterilized properly after each use.
- You can get HIV by mosquitoes. This is not true, mosquitos cannot carry the virus. This is because the virus is a human born virus that cannot live in another vector such as mosquitoes.
- You can’t get an STI by oral sex. Actually you can, although not all STIs are transmitted through oral sex, some are. For example, herpes can be transmitted when performing oral sex.
- Baby oil or Vaseline can be used with condoms. This is FALSE, this is not recommended. Since baby oil and Vaseline are petroleum based, they can degrade the condom and cause punctures to the condom. Using only water based lubricants is recommended.
- You can use a condom more then once. You should never utilize a condom more than two times. Condoms have to be disposed after each use.
By: Peer Educator Humberto Urrutia
