Unfortunately, when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases there is a great deal of misinformation floating around. There are many myths and tales associated with sexually transmitted diseases that simply are untrue and even harmful and dangerous. Through this article, some of the more common myths associated with sexually transmitted diseases are addressed in order to provide you with more accurate information about STDs.

Perhaps the most significant myth associated with sexually transmitted diseases is that a person can have safe sex. The term “safe sex” has been used with abandon by many well intentioned people in recent years. However, the reality is that by using the term safe sex, some people actually are lulled into a sense that there are ways in which you can have sex with multiple partners provided you “follow the rules of safe sex.”

Setting aside political debate for a moment and focusing only on science and biology, the fact is that you can never make sex safe if you are engaging in sexual relations outside of a committed relationship in which both partners are completely magnanimous. The true term that should be used is safer sex. You absolutely can make sexual encounters much, much safer by following safer sex practices. (The primary practice that must be utilized in order to make sex safer is the use of a condom.)

By debunking the idea that sex can be made safe rather than safer, you actually will be better served. You will be more attentive to your personal health and to the health of your intimate partner or partners. You will work to make sure that you not only use condoms each and every time you have a sexual encounter – but you will make certain that you use a condom during the course of the entire sexual encounter and you will make certain that you use the condom correctly.

Perhaps the next most common myth pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases involves the manner in which the HIV infection can be contracted. Despite the fact that there has been a massive education program about HIV and AIDS, the reality is that many people still actually believe that it is impossible to contract the HIV infection by being in close proximity to an infected person and so forth.

The fact is that the HIV infection can only be transmitted through infected blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. Simply, one or another of these infected fluids needs to end up being transmitted into the blood stream of another person in order for an HIV infection to occur. In reality, there are many safeguards that you can employ even in an intimate relationship with a person with HIV/AIDS to prevent the transmission of the infection.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases that are mainly passed from one person to another (that is transmitted) during sex. There are at least 25 different sexually transmitted diseases with a range of different symptoms. These diseases may be spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex.

Most sexually transmitted diseases will only affect you if you have sexual contact with someone who has an STD. However there are some infections, for example scabies, which are referred to as STDs because they are most commonly transmitted sexually, but which can also be passed on in other ways.

STD symptoms can range from subtle to obvious. If you think you’re experiencing STD symptoms, see a doctor. Some STD symptoms can be treated easily and eliminated. Other STD symptoms require more involved and long-term treatment.

Either way, it’s essential to be evaluated, and — if diagnosed with an STD — be treated. It’s also essential to inform any partners so that they can be evaluated and treated. If untreated, STDs can increase your risk of acquiring another STD such as HIV. This happens because an STD can stimulate an immune response in the genital area or cause sores, either of which might make HIV transmission more likely. Some untreated STDs can also lead to infertility.