Bangalore 
Lack of awareness associated with sexual
health has led to the spread of a lot of myths.
And shyness to discuss the intimate health and question
the facts especially in a conservative country like India
has further facilitated the spread of false news misleading
the generation.
health has led to the spread of a lot of myths.
And shyness to discuss the intimate health and question
the facts especially in a conservative country like India
has further facilitated the spread of false news misleading
the generation.
1. Kissing does not cause STI
Mouth-to-mouth contact or skin contact with an infected person
can pass on certain sexually transmitted diseases such as oral herpes.
The same happens during oral sex. So it is better to know the status of
your partner before indulging into any intimate activity.
can pass on certain sexually transmitted diseases such as oral herpes.
The same happens during oral sex. So it is better to know the status of
your partner before indulging into any intimate activity.
2. Sticking to one sexual partner ensures keeping STI at bay
Though it is always advisable, sticking to one partner does
not guarantee protection from STI. If your partner is infected,
even a single encounter of unprotected sex (vaginal, oral or anal),
genital rubbing, sharing sex toys or other intimate acts can pass on
the infection.
not guarantee protection from STI. If your partner is infected,
even a single encounter of unprotected sex (vaginal, oral or anal),
genital rubbing, sharing sex toys or other intimate acts can pass on
the infection.
3. Toilet seats are a common source of STI
Toilets can lead to the spread of UTIs, not STIs. STI are sexually transmitted infections
that spread through sexual contact and infected discharges like semen,
not urine. Urine is usually, sterile.
that spread through sexual contact and infected discharges like semen,
not urine. Urine is usually, sterile.
4. Condoms are the safest way to avoid STDs as well as pregnancy.
Condoms offer maximum protection against contraception as well as STDs
but they are not 100% successful. The surest form of
protection is abstaining from sex.
but they are not 100% successful. The surest form of
protection is abstaining from sex.
5. Washing and reusing of condoms is permissible.
Condoms should never be reused. After usage, they should be disposed off properly wrapped.
6. Having sex in a swimming pool is safe to prevent STI
Water or chlorine in the pool does not kill the infecting bacteria/virus and thus, does not offer any protection from STI.
7. Contracting one STI offers lifelong protection against others.
Infact, having one sexually transmitted infection makes one prone to contract
other infections too. Also, you can contract the same infection again if precautions have not been taken.
other infections too. Also, you can contract the same infection again if precautions have not been taken.
8. Testing for STI is a painful and tedious process
With modern investigation techniques, STI testing is as simple and easy as any other blood test.
9. STI tests should be done only if symptoms appear
Many STIs do not produce any symptom and can stay silent for a long time.
Thus, STI testing is recommended after every doubtful sexual encounter.
Thus, STI testing is recommended after every doubtful sexual encounter.
10. Longer penis means better pleasure.
The G-spot, responsible for sexual pleasure, is situated only about 1-1.5 inches inside
the female vagina. Thus, the size of the penis does not really determine the level of pleasure.
the female vagina. Thus, the size of the penis does not really determine the level of pleasure.
11. Having sex during periods is safe
Though the chances are low but conception can occur during periods too as the sperm can stay alive in the uterus for 4-5 days.
12. Washing or urinating after sex protects against infections or pregnancy.
Cleaning your vaginal area externally does not prevent pregnancy or spread of infections as the
semen can travel into the uterus quite fast. Also, douching can push the semen further up into the
uterus. It can in turn, wash off the useful bacteria found in the vagina resulting in infections. Urination
is of no help, as urine is excreted from the urethra while semen is ejaculated in the vagina.
semen can travel into the uterus quite fast. Also, douching can push the semen further up into the
uterus. It can in turn, wash off the useful bacteria found in the vagina resulting in infections. Urination
is of no help, as urine is excreted from the urethra while semen is ejaculated in the vagina.
Taking careful informed decisions is necessary to preserve your sexual health and enjoy the intimate moments to the fullest.
Stay updated, stay safe!
Article: Dr Nidhi
