Myth or Fact: Sexually Transmitted Infections - Warfighter Wellness

MYTH:
STIs always have symptoms.

FACT: Most people with an STI do not experience symptoms.

Although STIs can have symptoms, many people with an STI do not show any signs of infection. Without symptoms, you may not know if you have an STI. The only way to be sure of your STI status is to get tested. Keep in mind that STIs can still be spread even if you don’t have symptoms.

MYTH:
You can’t get an STI from oral or anal sex.

FACT: Any sexual contact puts you at risk of STIs.

STIs can spread through oral, vaginal and anal sex. Sometimes they can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact of the genitals. Using protection, like condoms and dental dams, can reduce your risk of STIs. Learn more about STI prevention.

MYTH:
Untreated STIs can’t cause long-term damage.

FACT: Without treatment, STIs can result in infertility and other serious health conditions.

Even though STIs are often symptomless, they can still cause permanent damage without proper treatment. This can include pelvic inflammatory disease, various cancers and infertility. Once these problems develop, STI treatment won’t fix them. Knowing your STI status and getting treated quickly can protect you from these harmful effects.

MYTH:
Using any form of birth control helps protect against STIs.

FACT: Only male and female condoms provide STI protection.

The primary goal of birth control is to prevent pregnancy, so protection from STIs is not guaranteed. In fact, most forms of birth control do not protect you from STIs. Condoms are the only method that prevent STI exposure, and they must be used consistently and correctly. This includes both male (external) and female (internal) condoms.

MYTH:
You should only get tested for STIs if you have symptoms.

FACT: STI testing is important any time you have unprotected sex with a new partner.

The only way to know your STI status is to get tested regularly, as most STIs do not have symptoms. TRICARE covers STI testing as part of your annual Health Promotion and Disease Prevention exam. Speak openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual history so they can recommend STI test options that make the most sense for you. Learn more about STI testing.

MYTH:
It won’t harm my baby if I have an STI during pregnancy.

FACT: STIs can cause problems for both you and your developing baby.

If you are pregnant and have an STI, your baby will also be exposed. STIs can be passed to a baby while in the womb, during delivery or through breastfeeding. This can harm your baby and may lead to serious health conditions. Having an STI during pregnancy can also cause you to go into labor prematurely, which increases your baby’s risk of long-term developmental problems.

MYTH
You can only protect against STIs during sex.

FACT: When taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, Doxy PEP can reduce your risk of certain STIs.

Doxy PEP is a medication that protects against some of the most common STIs in the military. It comes in the form of a pill and can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, though the sooner the better. Your healthcare provider may recommend Doxy PEP if you are a man who has unprotected sex with multiple or anonymous partners and had an STI in the past year.

MYTH:
All STIs can be cured.

FACT: STIs caused by a virus can be managed but are not fully curable.

Hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) are viral STIs. These types of STIs do not go away with treatment. Instead, treatment is used to manage disease symptoms and prevent them from worsening. Vaccination is a great way to protect yourself from hepatitis B and HPV.

STI prevention starts with education, regular testing and open communication with your health care team. Confidential resources are available to ensure your health and readiness as a Warfighter. Visit your military health clinic, speak with a provider, or learn more on TRICARE’s Sexual Health page.