April is STD Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to educate yourself about sexually transmitted diseases and get tested by your OB-GYN. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, incidences of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are on the rise. Knowledge and best practices can help keep you healthy. Get the facts with the following STD myth-busters.

5 STD Myths Debunked

1. You Can Get STDs From Toilet Seats

STDs are  spread via sexual contact, and there is no evidence to suggest you can get one from a toilet seat. However, you don't need to have penetrative intercourse to catch an STD. Ailments like herpes can be spread via skin-to-skin genital contact without actual intercourse.

2. You Only Get STDs Through Vaginal Sex

STDs can also be spread via anal or oral sex, which is why you should always use a barrier method like a condom to protect yourself. Abstinence is another option. 

3. STDs Show Visible Signs

You might think that you can judge whether a person is healthy or infected by an STD based on appearances. On the contrary, many STDs don't show any symptoms. The person may look and feel healthy and still transmit ailments like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and even HIV. 

4. HIV Is a Death Sentence

While it's true that HIV was once largely fatal, this is no longer the case. Modern medicines allow people with HIV to live long, fulfilling lives. The earlier the illness is detected and treatment begun, the better.

5. Birth Control Protects Against STDs

Birth control prescribed by your OB-GYN, like the pill or an IUD, will only prevent pregnancy. A condom, which prevents skin-to-skin contact and catches bodily fluids like semen, is one preventative method for STDs. The most surefire means of prevention is abstinence. 

For discreet and non-judgmental STD testing in Fairfield and West Chester, OH, trust OBGYN Associates, Inc. Since 1940, this OB-GYN clinic has provided comprehensive women's health services. They will take the time to answer your questions and address any concerns you might have, whether about STDs or prenatal care. Visit their website to review a full list of their services. To schedule an OB-GYN appointment, call (513) 221-3800.