Gonorrhea myths

One of the keys to sexual health is knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Here we will reveal the truth and bust some myths regarding one of the most common sexual diseases -gonorrhea. Read on for the top gonorrhea myths.

Myth 1: Gonorrhea Can't Spread from Oral Sex

While gonorrhea is mostly spread through vaginal sex with an infected person, the risk of getting a gonorrhea infection is also present through oral sex. That's why it's essential that sexually active individuals take proper precautions, like wearing dental dams and condoms, during sex to avoid an infection.

Myth 2: Gonorrhea Can't Be Passed to a Baby

Some people believe that gonorrhea can't be passed on to a baby. The fact is that an STD infected women can pass on the infection to their babies during delivery. This can result in serious health complications for the child. If you are pregnant, you should consider gonorrhea testing to reduce the risk for your baby.

Myth 3: Birth Control Pills Can Prevent Gonorrhea Transmission

This gonorrhea myth is responsible for a number of infections that could have been easily prevented. In reality, birth control pills cannot prevent transmission of gonorrhea. While some studies do suggest that progesterone intrauterine devices (IUDs) could help prevent gonorrhea, the results are not conclusive.

Myth 4: Gonorrhea Can't be Cured

Yet another myth regarding gonorrhea is that it can't be cured. The fact is that the disease can be treated using antibiotics if diagnosed early enough. However, while medications can halt the progression of the disease, they can't undo the damage already done to the body. Early detection can minimize the damage done to the body by the disease.

Myth 5: You can't Spread Gonorrhea when on Antibiotics

Keep in mind that you can spread gonorrhea when on antibiotics. Medications available are extremely effective in treating the disease. However, a person should still avoid sexual intercourse until completely cured. Even after getting cured, regular gonorrhea testing is important to prevent being re-infected with the disease.

Myth 6: The Risk of Getting STDs is Minimized in a Hot Tub

Rumor has it that having sex in the bathtub can prevent gonorrhea infections, as the chlorine in the tub can kill the bacteria. More information about gonorrhea suggests that hot tub sex is not a preventative and could increase the risk of other genital infections.

Myth 7: Gonorrhea Can Spread Through Public Toilets

An urban gonorrhea myths is that you can catch gonorrhea from using a public toilet. There are not a lot of studies that back up this myth. The fact is that the bacteria that causes gonorrhea and other STDs cannot survive for long outside the human body, so it's highly unlikely that you can catch gonorrhea by using a public toilet.

For more  facts about gonorrhea, testing, and prevention, reach out to STD Labs today.

Contributor: admin