STD myths busted

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So you're with this hot guy at his place; just you and him. Perfect time to get naughty, you think. Unfortunately he does not have a condom neither do you. So you go for oral and think that you are safe from sexually transmitted diseases. Think again! You may be wrong.

Usha Shekhar, a gynaecologist, says sexually transmitted diseases or STDs can happen to anyone. "These can be mild infections to severe ones with long-term effects. Many women don't even know enough about these to protect themselves," she says.

People have many misconceptions about STDs, Dr Shekhar adds. Clear a few of them for you.

Oral sex cannot cause STDs

Dr Shekhar says 45 per cent of the STD cases she has seen have been because of oral sex. "If your partner has an infection in his genital area, it can be passed to you orally," she says. This is why doctors recommend using a condom even during oral sex. "This is especially important if you do not know your partner" she adds.

The pill protects you from STDs

Think logically. The pill stimulates your hormones to prevent you from getting pregnant. How can this stop an infection from spreading? Oral contraceptives only protect from pregnancy. "Only a latex condom can stop STDs from passing on to other people," says Shekhar.

Symptom matters

Dr Shekhar says 50 per cent of women with STD do not even realise it. "It is possible for the symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease not to show up. Moreover, many women mistake them for other problems," she says. For example, many women treat a rash around their genitals as a result of heat or sweat. Headaches and fever are other signs that are ignored.

White discharge from the vagina is another sign that many women ignore. "Mild discharge is normal around your period but itching never is. Negligence can land you in deep trouble later," says Dr Shekhar.

I have only had unprotected sex once. I be infected

The number does not matter, girl. What if the one man you had unprotected sex with was infected? Always insist on protection and ask your partner to be hygienic. "Remember though that condoms are not infallible," says Shekhar.

Condoms are the safest way of avoiding STDs. So until science makes any more discoveries, this is pretty much it!! Until then, play safe!