Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Few Widely Believed Myths about STD

We are living in a world in which people can find a lot of information about sexuality and especially about sexually transmitted diseases (STD). if you perform a basic research you will notice that the Internet is full of advice and articles related to sexuality, but the question is whether all these sources are reliable or not. Given that there are many sources that are not very reliable, it is better to double check all information related to sexually transmitted diseases and safe sex. In this way you will determine whether it is true or we are talking about myths. These myths lead to many serious consequences in people who are not very experienced in this activity.

While we are talking about myths associated with STD, it is very important for parents of teenage children to understand the importance of safe sex and STD. Modern parents believe that the information today are more accessible and that their children can easily learn everything they want with the help of the Internet. Some of them believe that they don’t need to educate their children and this is very wrong. It's getting more and more common in Australia now, but luckily it's not serious.

This approach is wrong because of the many aforementioned disinformation and myths that can be dangerous for everyone especially for inexperienced and ignorant adolescents. The feeling of discomfort and embarrassment related to open conversation about sexuality cannot be viewed as an obstacle between parents and their children entering sexual maturity. Parents should be patient and should have all the relevant and precise information and with an open conversation without any discomfort and taboos, they should present their knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases, sexuality and risks to the children.

Now let’s check some of the most frequent myths related to STD.

Oral sex is the safest form of sex – this is surely not true although it is one of the most widespread myths today. The truth is that certain STD like gonorrhea, Chlamydia, syphilis, herpes and HIV are transmitted with oral sex too.

Hepatitis B and C and HIV are STD that can be transmitted only sexually – This is another myth and completely false information. HIV just like hepatitis can be transmitted in many different ways. Some of the people who have HIV got infected from unsterilized medical equipment, blood transfusion, acupuncture needles, infected equipment used for piercing and tattooing, organ transplantation etc. In addition, people can get infected if the wounded part of the skin like cut or bruise gets in contact with infected semen, blood or saliva. Contrary to popular belief, these diseases cannot be transmitted with handshakes and hugs or even via coughing.

Condoms can keep you safe from every STD – While it is true that condoms are able to prevent most of the diseases, it is also true that there are some STD that can’t be prevented with a condom. Besides that, the condom can be cracked or ruptured, so make sure to check whether you have used it in the right way. 

A Few Condom Problems

Condoms are the most efficient protection because they create a thin barrier which prevents semen, bacteria and viruses to pass from one person to another. If they are used in the right way, condoms can prevent unwanted pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Those who think that HIV cannot be stopped with a condom are wrong.

If men use condoms properly with their partners, 98% of their intercourses won’t result in pregnancy. This percentage drops in case condoms are not used in a proper way. Other contraceptives, like pills, are very effective against unplanned pregnancy, but they don’t provide any protection against STDs. By combining male or female condoms with some other method of contraception you will get a complete protection against pregnancy and infections.

Many of us use condoms without any problems. The more you use these protective products, the less likely it is to fall off or break. Once can practice putting a condom when they masturbate.

Putting the condom on the penis

Some men have problems putting a condom on a hard erected penis. They can try using a bigger condom, and in case this doesn’t help, they can first start unwrapping the condom a little bit and then place it in the same way as you put your socks on. You need to be sure that there is no air between the skin and condom.

Feeling

Modern condoms are very thin, so the loss of feeling is insignificant. The thinner the condom is, the less feeling you will lose. What is important is the size of the condom. Some condoms are ribbed or have some other modifications on their surface in order to increase the feeling and pleasure in both partners.

Erection

If wearing a condom causes trouble in maintaining proper erection, a man can choose a special technique. They need to hold the base of their penis with their fingers before they start putting the condom. This will stop the blood flow and keep the erection. The so-called cock ring has the same, but slightly longer effect.

Disruptions

Disrupting the sexual intercourse in order to find a condom can have a negative effect on the arousal in both partners. That’s why it is recommended to keep the condoms close to you. Keeping a condom in your bag, pocket or close to the bed shows that you are responsible and that you care about your health and the health of your partner.

Allergy

People who are allergic to latex (itching and redness) can use condoms made from different materials. These materials are made in a way in which the user won’t have to deal with the characteristic smell of latex.

Communication

It is also a good idea to talk about protection before sex. Your partner will be glad to hear that you’ve brought up such topic, but some of them might react in a negative way because they believe that you don’t trust them. Simply, point out that you want to use condom because you care about their and your own health.