World Sexual Health Day 2024: Experts dispel myths about sexually transmitted diseases and sexual health

You cannot contract sexually transmitted diseases while taking the pill.

Oral contraceptives prevent pregnancy but do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. To prevent sexually transmitted diseases, the best method is to use a condom – along with regular testing. We asked Dr Nancy Nagpa, Consultant Gynaecologist at Salubritas Medcentre, what she thought. “STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are usually caused by infections transmitted from one person to another through blood or body fluids. They can spread through sexual contact and can be bacterial, viral or other in nature. Just because a woman takes oral contraceptives does not mean she is protected from these infections. Oral contraceptives cannot prevent STDs,” she said.

Coitus interna prevents pregnancy

The coitus interruptus method is not a reliable method of preventing pregnancy. It reduces the risk but is not foolproof as the pre-ejaculate may contain sperm. Dr. Rajeev Sood, Director and Chief of Urology and Kidney Transplant Surgery at Marengo Asia Hospitals, said, “The coitus interruptus method is highly unreliable as the pre-ejaculate may contain sperm, which may lead to pregnancy. It also does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases.”

Using two condoms doubles the protection

“No, that's a myth. Using two condoms actually increases the chance of failure because the friction between them can cause them to tear. It's not advisable to use two condoms; one is more than enough,” said Dr. Nancy. Using two condoms can actually increase the risk of tearing due to the constant friction. For effective protection, experts recommend using a single condom.

You can become infected with sexually transmitted diseases through a toilet seat

STIs are transmitted through direct sexual contact, not through toilet seats. The pathogens that cause STIs generally cannot survive long outside the human body. “STIs are usually transmitted through sexual contact, not through toilet seats, because the organisms that cause STIs cannot survive long on surfaces like toilet seats,” said Dr. Rajeev.

Sex means penetration

Sex is not limited to penetration. Many people find satisfaction in different forms of sexual activity, and focusing solely on penetration can miss out on different experiences and needs. “Sex is not limited to penetration; it includes any activity that involves sexual intimacy and pleasure, regardless of whether penetration occurs,” Dr. Rajeev further explained.

Vaginas should not require additional lubricant

Vaginal moisture can vary due to factors such as hormonal changes, medications and general health. If natural moisture is not enough, using a water-based lubricant can make the experience much more enjoyable for both partners. “It is normal to use additional lubricant to increase comfort and reduce friction during sex. Many factors such as stress or hormonal changes can affect natural moisture,” said Dr. Rajeev.

It's normal for sex to hurt

Pain during sex is not something you should just accept. While occasional discomfort due to dryness may be normal, persistent pain is not normal and may be a sign of infection or trauma. “Sex should not be painful. If it is, it may indicate an underlying problem that should be discussed with a doctor,” added Dr. Rajeev.

You can only transmit an STI if you have symptoms

STDs or STIs do not always come with symptoms. Sometimes they can be asymptomatic, meaning a person shows no signs but is still infected. If someone has multiple partners, the infection can be present and spread without them knowing. “That's why it's always important to get tested regularly,” says Dr. Nancy. STIs can be transmitted even when there are no symptoms. Asymptomatic people can still spread infections, which is why regular testing is important.

On World Sexual Health Day, debunking these myths is a step towards a more open, informed discussion about sexual health. By dispelling these misconceptions, we can reduce stigma and encourage honest discussions, which is a crucial step towards better health practices for all.