Myths & facts

Question 1: Warts can cause cervical cancer.

  • True
  • False

Answer: Both warts and cervical cancer. are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are over a hundred types of this virus. Infection with some types of HPV cause genital warts and some cause cervical cancer. Having genital warts does NOT lead to cervical cancer.

Question 2: Which of these infections can be passed on by oral sex?

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhoea
  • Herpes
  • HIV
  • All four

Answer: All Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can be passed on through oral sex, although chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and herpes are the most common.

Question 3: You can still be pregnant if you have a period.

  • True
  • False

Answer: TRUE - If you’ve had unprotected sex there is always a chance you could be pregnant, Women who are pregnant may still get a period but it might be lighter or shorter then normal.

Question 4: How effective is the emergency contraceptive pill in preventing pregnancy if taken within 24 hours?

  • 95%
  • 100%
  • 85%
  • 58%

Answer: 95%. If the emergency pill is taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex it is 95% effective at preventing pregnancy. If taken between 25-48 hours it is 85% effective and if taken between 49-72 hours it is 58% effective.

Question 5: Having vaginal discharge is always abnormal.

  • True
  • False

Answer: FALSE - Vaginal discharge can be normal and the amount of discharge can vary from women to women. During your menstrual cycle your discharge can vary in quantity and consistency at different times, but as long as it’s normal for you there no need for concern.

Question 6: Which of these is the most common STI in the UK?

  • Gonorrhoea
  • Chlamydia
  • HIV
  • Syphilis

Answer: Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection, with 109,832 cases diagnosed at sexual health clinics in 2005.

Question 7. Question: Using two condoms is safer then one?

  • True
  • False

Answer: FALSE - The friction caused between the layers of each condom increases the risk of them splitting or tearing.

Question 8: How effective is a condom at preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) & pregnancy?

  • 98%
  • 91%
  • 75%
  • 100%

Answer: When a condom is used properly, it is 98% effective at preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and pregnancy. This means that two out of every 100 condoms will NOT protect against STIs or pregnancy.

Question 9: Older people don’t get STIs.

  • True
  • False

Answer: FALSE - Over the last decade, the rate of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) have doubled in those over 45 years old.

Question 10: Which of these infections can cause discharge?

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhoea
  • Trichomonas Vaginalis
  • All

Answer: All of the above. Discharge can be a symptom of Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Trichomonas Vaginalis.

Question 11: HIV can be transmitted through oral sex.

  • True
  • False

Answer: TRUE – It is possible to catch HIV through oral sex, although the risk is very low. However, if there are cuts or open sores in the mouth, on the penis or in the vagina, the risk is increased.

Question 12: Which type of lubricant is the safest to use with male condoms?

  • Water based
  • Oil based
  • Cocoa butter
  • Shower gel

Answer: Water based. Oil based lubricants, cocoa butter and shower gel can all damage condoms and make them less effective.

Question 13: Herpes is easily cured.

  • True
  • False

Answer: FALSE - Once infected, herpes can never be cured, but the symptoms can be controlled with medication.

Question 14: Which of these infections can not be picked up through a blood test?

  • HIV
  • Hepatitis
  • Syphilis
  • Chlamydia

Answer: Chlamydia. HIV, syphilis and hepatitis are all diagnosed through blood tests, while Chlamydia requires a urine test or vaginal swab.

Question 15: If left untreated Chlamydia...

  • goes away by itself
  • can make women infertile
  • can cause warts
  • Not sure

Answer: If left untreated Chlamydia can make women infertile. Chlamydia is easy to treat, but if left untreated is easily spread between people and may cause women to become infertile.

Question 16: Which of these are safe when using a condom to have sex?

  • Putting on two condoms for extra protection.
  • Using baby oil for lubrication as it reduces the chances of it tearing.
  • Putting the condom on correctly once the penis is erect.
  • Tying a knot in the condom to make sure it stays on.

Answer: Putting on a condom correctly when the penis is erect. As soon as the penis is erect it can produce sperm so a condom should be put on before there is any genital contact. Using more then one condom, using oil based products or tying a knot in it, can all damage the condom.

Question 17: Thrush is a sexually transmitted infection.

  • True
  • False

Answer: FALSE - Although thrush can be spread between couples it’s not actually a sexually transmitted infection and is easily treated.

Question 18: Which of these are diagnosed in men by a urine test?

  • Non-specific urethritis (NSU) and Herpes
  • Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea

Answer: Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea are both diagnosed through a urine test, while NSU requires a swab from the tip of the penis and herpes requires a swab from an actual herpes lesion.

Question 19: You don’t need to wear a condom when having anal sex.

  • True
  • False

Answer: FALSE - Although you can’t get pregnant through anal sex, you can still catch or pass on sexually transmitted infections.

Question 20: How long after unprotected sex can an HIV test come back positive?

  • 4 weeks
  • 3 months
  • 1 week
  • 3 days

Answer: An HIV result can only come back positive 3 months after the unprotected sex has taken place. This is how long your body takes to produce markers against HIV and is known as a 'window period'. A negative test at 4 weeks is likely to be a genuine negative, although individuals with recent risk are advised to retest at 3 months.

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