11 common misconceptions about sexually transmitted diseases among young people.

Don't think that having multiple sexual partners is necessary to contract a sexually transmitted disease; in reality, just one instance of unprotected sex is enough to get infected.

Dr. Nguyen Van Hoc, from the Andrology - Sexual Health Clinic, Department of Urology and Andrology, University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City, points out some misconceptions about risky behaviors and sexually transmitted diseases.

Only people with multiple sexual partners contract sexually transmitted diseases.

In reality, even having sex just once can lead to a sexually transmitted disease, because your partner may have had or is currently having multiple sexual partners.

Using a condom during sex will protect you 100%.

Condoms are the safest tool to help you prevent HIV infection. However, this method cannot guarantee protection against all sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis, genital warts, etc. Nevertheless, using condoms correctly can significantly reduce the chance of spreading sexually transmitted infections.

Illustration photo: News

No symptoms means you are not infected.

Many patients think that the absence of symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease means they are not infected. In reality, most diseases lie dormant in the body without showing immediate symptoms.

Sexually transmitted diseases only spread in certain areas.

Some patients say they were unaware they had a sexually transmitted disease, and that the area where they live doesn't have it. In reality, sexually transmitted diseases are widespread, and infected individuals often don't know they are.

Penetrating sex can lead to sexually transmitted infections.

Many people think that only vaginal or anal intercourse transmits sexually transmitted diseases. In reality, vaginal and anal intercourse are two common routes of transmission, but other activities such as oral sex, intravenous medication use, and tattooing can also cause infection.

Some women believe that the disease can only be transmitted through their bodies when a man ejaculates inside the vagina. However, the disease can be transmitted orally, vaginally, or anally without ejaculation. Vaginal secretions and secretions from the Cowper's glands in men contain many sexually transmitted pathogens.

In general, almost all sexual contact with a partner carries a risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The more intense the sexual activity, the higher the risk of contracting and transmitting an STI. Oral or skin-to-skin contact can transmit some STIs regardless of the level of contact between the two individuals' bodily fluids.

Taking birth control pills will protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

Some female patients seeking treatment for sexually transmitted diseases say, "I'm taking birth control pills, so I'm protected from sexually transmitted infections." In reality, hormonal contraception does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Having sex once cannot transmit a sexually transmitted disease.

Many patients say they can't get a sexually transmitted disease the first time they have sex. This is not true; the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease does not depend on the number of times you have intercourse.

Sexually transmitted diseases are not too dangerous.

Some people think that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are harmless because they are easily treated, and that the patient's body will develop immunity against the disease in the future. In reality, many untreated STDs can spread to other parts of the reproductive system and cause infertility. Some incurable STDs can even be fatal.

"Respectful" people will not contract sexually transmitted diseases.

Many women believe that men who dress neatly, are well-groomed, and look presentable are less likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases. In reality, germs, viruses, and parasites spare no one.

Sexually transmitted diseases are only transmitted among low-income populations.

Many people believe that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are only prevalent among low-income groups. In reality, these diseases are widespread across all social strata.

Circumcision reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Many patients undergo circumcision believing it will reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. In reality, only a few studies in Africa have addressed this issue, particularly regarding HIV transmission, and there is insufficient evidence to confirm that circumcision reduces the risk of transmitting STDs.

According to Danviet