Myth Vs Truth

"STI testing is too expensive"

Myth or Truth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

Different tests have different costs, but most of the time it’s just the cost of a doctor’s consultation. And, if you have a Medicare Card, most doctors can bulk bill you. That means it’s FREE!

"There's nowhere out there where I can get tested"

Myth or Truth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

You can choose where to get tested. How about going to a Doctor’s surgery, GP, medical centre, AMS, or Family Planning NSW. There’s definitely no shortage of options.

“STIs? Only people who sleep around get them”

Myth or Truth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

Even if you’ve only had sex once you’re at risk of getting an STI.

“I really trust my partner, so we don’t need to use condoms”

Myth or Truth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

Trust is important but so is looking after your health. You should use condoms until you both get tested for STIs.

“Tests for STIs don’t have to involve an examination by a doctor”

Myth or Truth

You got it, it's true

Actually, it's true

Most tests for STIs you can do on yourself, such as urine samples or self-collected swabs. But, if you have symptoms an examination is encouraged. You can always say no.

"I can tell if someone has an STI"

Myth or Truth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

Most STIs have no symptoms. Take chlamydia as an example. Last year, over 12,000 young people in NSW were diagnosed with it. Yep, it’s that common.

“If I go get an STI test, the doctor will tell my parents that I’ve had sex”

Myth or Truth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

A doctor will always try to ask you before sharing any information you have given them. They may sometimes have to share certain information without your permission.

“You can get an STI from oral sex”

Myth or Truth

You got it, it's true

Actually, it's true

STIs can be transmitted this way too. With oral sex involving a penis use a condom, it’ll reduce the risk of getting any STIs.

“Look, if I needed an STI test, my doctor would know and just test me”

Myth or Truth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

No one knows your body better than you. So it’s up to you to ask your doctor for a test and tell them how you feel.

“Getting an STI from masturbating is impossible”

Myth or Truth

You got it, it's true

Actually, it's true

It’s just you, so you’re safe! STIs are transmitted when body fluids are transferred from one person to another, or skin-to-skin contact between two people is made.

“Did you know there’s no cure for HIV?”

Myth or Truth

You got it, it's true

Actually, it's true

There’s no cure, but there are treatments out there that can greatly improve the health of people with HIV.

“My friends would be shocked if they knew I was getting an STI test”

Myth or Truth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

More and more young people are getting tested. Many of your friends have probably already had an STI test.

“Everyone who works at the doctor’s rooms will know I’m there to get an STI test”

Myth or Truth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

People go to the Doctor for all sorts of things. And, the staff are trained to be non-judgemental.

“Pulling out before cumming means we’re not at risk”

Myth or Truth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

Pre-cum can contain semen and can transmit STIs or result in a pregnancy.

“I don’t need to use condoms, I’m in a monogamous relationship”

Myth or Truth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

Whether you are monogamous or not, you both need to get tested for STIs before you stop using condoms.

“I’m/ she's on the pill, but we still need to use condoms”

Myth or Truth

You got it, it's true

Actually, it's true

The Pill doesn’t protect you from STIs. Only condoms prevent both STIs and unplanned pregnancies.

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Myth versus Truth

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A-Z of sex lingo

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

You got it, it's true

Actually, it's true

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

You got it, it's true

Actually, it's true

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

You got it, it's true

Actually, it's true

You got it, it's true

Actually, it's true

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

Actually, it's a myth

You got it, it's a myth

You got it, it's true

Actually, it's true

Could I have an STI?

Where can I get tested?

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STIs and their symptoms

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