Common Myths and Facts About STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are very common in people around the world. It’s estimated that 20 million new infections are diagnosed each year in the United States alone.

At Alpha OB GYN, our skilled physician Sowmya Reddy, MD, FACOG, specializes in diagnosing and treating STDs. She provides discreet and confidential STD testing services for adolescents and adults in-office.

Dr. Reddy also wants to empower people to make healthy choices to reduce their risk of infection. Here, we bust some common myths you might still believe about STDs.

5 STD myths and facts you should know about

Here are five myths and facts about sexually transmitted diseases in adolescents and adults:

1.STDs only happen to people with multiple partners.

FACT: Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for STD infections, even if you only have sex with a person one time.

STDs are spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and if you don’t know your partner’s sexual history, you could put yourself at significant risk for infection.

2. You can’t get infected if you have sex in the shower

FACT: Any sexual contact increases your risk for STDs, no matter where the activity occurs due to contact with infected body fluids or genitals.

You are not further protected from STDs when having sex in the shower or swimming pool unless you take precautions like wearing a condom.

3. You can just tell who has an STD and who doesn’t

FACT: Many STDs don’t cause noticeable symptoms until the disease progresses. For this reason, you and your sexual partners should be regularly tested for syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), and other STDs.

Many people avoid the conversation because it’s uncomfortable and may mistakenly assume their partner doesn’t seem like someone who would have a sexually transmitted disease.

4. Condoms are a fail-safe way to prevent STDs

FACT: While condoms do provide effective protection against infection and the spread of STDs, they don’t provide a 100% guarantee. If a condom doesn’t cover genital warts or leaks bodily fluids, you can get an infection.

You can reduce your STD risk by ensuring that you use a condom every time you have sex and by using the condom correctly.

5. Older people don’t have to worry about STDs

Rates of STDs among older adults have been increasing in recent years, likely because people practice healthy lifestyles supporting active sex lives as they age. Older adults may put themselves at risk for STDs after spending years in a monogamous relationship where they didn’t have to use protection.

Aging also causes changes in your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.

What to expect from STD testing

The STD testing services we offer at Alpha OB GYN typically involve blood testing and swab tests, or tissue samples to check for signs of infection. We offer a range of tests in-office to confirm the following:

• Syphilis
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis B
• Genital herpes
• Trichomoniasis
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Dr. Reddy also offers customized treatment plans to clear the infection to prevent more serious and potentially long-term health complications. Additionally, we provide resources to reduce your risk of getting or spreading STDs later on.

Call the Alpha OB GYN office in Alpharetta or Cumming, Georgia, to schedule STD testing or book an appointment online today.