At PEGym, we’re focused on male sexual health. This means we not only have to talk about ways to improve your sex life, through things like increasing sexual stamina and penis enlargement, but also about protecting yourself during sex, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – sometimes referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Sexually transmitted diseases are diseases spread through sexual contact. This can include penetrative intercourse, oral sex, kissing, or even sexual touching. You can see photos of some of the most common STDs here —  The Penis: The Definitive Guide to Man’s Most Prized Organ

Let’s spend a moment talking about STD facts, as well as some of the most common myths about sexually transmitted diseases.

Sexually Transmitted Disease Myths

• STD Myth #1 – You can get herpes from a toilet seat. This myth is probably why women “hover” over public toilet seats. However, the reality is herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact. So, although you may want to ensure a toilet seat is clean, before having a seat, you won’t get herpes.
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• STD Myth #2 – You can’t have 2 STDs at once. It is absolutely possible to have two sexually transmitted diseases at once. In fact, if you have an untreated STD, you are more likely to get HIV. This is especially true if your STD has open sores or lesions, which will more easily allow the HIV virus to enter your body.
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• STD Myth #3 – Using 2 condoms gives me double the protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Although at first though, this seems like it would be a good idea; however, wearing two condoms increases your chances of STDs. Two condoms increasing friction, and as the condoms rub against one another, it increases the likelihood that they will break or tear.
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• STD Myth #4 – If I don’t have any symptoms, I don’t have a sexually transmitted disease. This is probably one of the most deadly myths! Many sexually transmitted diseases fo not have symptoms. The only way you can no for sure that you or your partner is uninfected is through an STD screening. For this reason, before you have sex with someone BOTH of you should be tested for STDs. You can’t tell if a person is infected simply by looking at them. In fact, approximately 1 in 5 people with Hepatitis C don’t even know they have it!

Sexually Transmitted Disease Facts

• STD Fact #1 – You can get an STD from oral sex. There are several sexually transmitted diseases that can be transmitted through oral sex. This includes herpes as well as throat cancer from oral sex with an infected person.
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• STD Fact #2 – You can get a sexually transmitted disease from a tattoo or piercing. Any blood borne STD, such as HIV, Hepatitis B or C, can be passed through the use with infected needles, while getting a tattoo or piercing. For this reason, always ensure your tattoo artist or piercer is using a brand new needle.
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• STD Fact #3 – NEVER use a condom more than once. Using a condom more than once, even with the same partner, can increase the chances that it will break or tear. This would then expose you to an increased risk of sexually transmitted disease.
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• STD Fact #4 – You CAN get a sexually transmitted disease from having sex just once. Even if you have unprotected sex with an infected person just once, you CAN contract an STD. As an example, having sex with a person infected with chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphalis just once gives you a 30% chance that you’ll contract the disease.