References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
STIs attract a lot of myths and misconceptions, many rooted in stigma rather than science. Misinformation can cause unnecessary fear, stop people from testing, and lead to risky decisions. Separating fact from fiction helps you look after yourself and your partners confidently.
Here’s a fact-checked guide.
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Common Myths vs Reality
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Only promiscuous people get STIs | Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI, regardless of partner numbers |
| You can tell if someone has an STI | Most STIs cause no visible signs |
| Condoms give 100% protection | Condoms are highly effective but not 100% — and some STIs (herpes, HPV) can still spread from uncovered skin |
| HIV is a death sentence | Modern treatment means near-normal life expectancy |
| Oral sex is safe | Lower HIV risk but can still transmit chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and herpes |
| Two condoms are better than one | False — friction increases breakage |
| STIs can spread through toilet seats | No — STIs don’t survive on surfaces |
| You can’t catch an STI from someone you love | Love doesn’t prevent infection |
| If you have no symptoms, you’re fine | Many STIs are silent |
| Once treated, you’re immune | You can catch most STIs again |
Myth: You Can Tell by Looking
This is one of the most dangerous myths. Most STIs cause no visible signs, especially in the early stages. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, syphilis and many others are often completely silent. You cannot reliably tell who has an STI by appearance.
Myth: Only Certain People Get STIs
STIs don’t discriminate. Anyone who has sex can catch one, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, relationship status or number of partners. Even monogamous couples can pass infections that one partner already had. Blame and judgment don’t make infections less likely.
Myth: You Can’t Pass It On If You’re Taking Medicine
This is partially wrong and partially right. For HIV, U=U means that effective treatment with an undetectable viral load stops sexual transmission completely. For most other STIs, treatment during the infectious period doesn’t instantly stop transmission — which is why you should avoid sex until treatment is complete.
Myth: Birth Control Protects Against STIs
Hormonal contraception, IUDs and similar methods prevent pregnancy but offer no STI protection. Condoms are the only contraceptive method that also protects against STIs.
Myth: You Only Need to Test If You Have Symptoms
Most STIs cause no symptoms at all. Testing is the only reliable way to know your status.
Myth: Washing After Sex Prevents STIs
Washing is hygienic but doesn’t prevent STIs. By the time you shower, any transmission has already occurred.
Myth: STIs Always Cause Infertility
Some untreated STIs can affect fertility, but most don’t. Prompt treatment virtually eliminates fertility risks for most infections.
Myth: You Can Get HIV From Saliva, Tears or Sweat
No. HIV is not present in transmissible quantities in these fluids. It requires specific body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluid, rectal fluid, breast milk) to spread.
Read more: How you can’t get HIV | Mosquitoes and STIs | Silent STIs
Frequently Asked Questions
Are STIs really that common?
Yes. Hundreds of thousands of new diagnoses are made each year in the UK alone.
Is it true that HIV is no longer serious?
HIV is still a lifelong condition, but modern treatment keeps it manageable and allows near-normal life expectancy.
Can I get an STI from a one-night stand even with a condom?
Condoms dramatically reduce risk but don’t eliminate it. Regular testing remains important.
Related reading
- Blood Test for Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- Can You Get an STI From Being Fingered?
- Can You Catch an STI From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Clear HPV Once You Have It?
- Can You Die From Hepatitis B?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
