Common Myths

You can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex - FALSE

You are just as likely to get pregnant the first time you have sex as any other. "In fact, some statistics say that 20% of people get pregnant within a month of starting sex."

.

You can catch an STI from a toilet seat - FALSE

Sexually transmitted diseases or infections can't live outside the body for a long period of time—especially not on a cold, hard surface like a toilet seat.

.

If you get the HPV vaccine you're safe from cervical cancer - FALSE

About 30% of cervical cancers will not be prevented by these vaccines, so it's important for all women, whether you've had the HPV jag or not, to have regular smear tests.

.

You can't get pregnant while on the pill - FALSE

The chances of getting pregnant while taking the contraceptive pill are virtually nil, providing you follow the instructions correctly and consistently. But if you miss pills, are on antibiotics, or have sickness and diarrhoea, you need to use condoms for the next seven days.

.

If a girl goes to the loo after sex she won’t get pregnant - FALSE

Using contraception is the only way to avoid pregnancy.

.

Washing after sex prevents an STI and / or pregnancy - FALSE

Only using a condom will help you to prevent a pregnancy or a STI.

.

Not having periods is bad for you - FALSE

Several methods of contraception are associated with not having periods. Periods are only necessary if you wish to get pregnant.



 
NHS ScotlandThis site is brought to you by My Surgery Website