MythsaboutSexuallyTransmittedInfections(STIs)
If I do not have symptoms, I do not have a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• Sexually transmitted infections often do not have any symptoms
• Many times people feel fine while an infection is doing damage inside. Depending on the
infection, this can lead to cancer, infertility, damage to the nervous system, and even
death.
• Therefore, it is important to have regular screening for sexually transmitted infections,
especially when changing sexual partners.
Condoms prevent all sexually transmitted infections.
• Condoms greatly reduce the risk of STIs when they are used consistently and correctly,
but they are not perfect.
• Areas not covered by a condom can still spread infections, especially human
papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes.
Using a douche to wash a woman’s genitals after sexual intercourse helps prevent STIs.
• False. Douches actually increase the risk of more serious problems if there is an infection
present, moving it more deeply into the reproductive tract. The use of douches is more
common in African American and Hispanic populations.
If I have a wart on my finger it could cause genital warts.
• No, they are different strains (types) of the virus. Strains causing finger warts are most
often passed by contact with contaminated surfaces like the shower floor at the gym.
• In contrast, genital warts are transmitted by sexual contact.
The vaccine against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Gardasil, protects me from all sexually
transmitted infections and cervical cancer.
• No, the vaccine Gardasil only protects against the HPV strains 6, 11, 16, and 18. Strains
16 and 18 are the most common causes of cervical cancer in the United States, but other
strains can cause cancer.
• Also, Gardasil protects only against HPV, not other sexually transmitted infections.
Having oral or anal sex can prevent sexually transmitted infections.
• No, genital warts, herpes (mouth and genital), HIV, Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and
other STIs can be passed by either oral or anal sex.
• The highest risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection is through anal sex
without protection (that is, without a condom).
PreparedbymedicalstudentsattheUniversityofWisconsinSchoolofMedicineandPublicHealthincooperationwiththeir
studentCommunityServiceCommittee(email:[email protected])
SexualHealthResourcesinDaneCounty
Access Community Health Centers – www.accesscommunityhealthcenters.org
• Two locations
o South Madison Health and Family Center, 2202 South Park Street
o Evjue Clinic, 3434 East Washington Avenue
• Call (608) 443-5480 for an appointment at either location
• Free if you live in Dane County and have no health insurance
• Free condoms available for Access clients
Sexual Health Clinic (formerly Blue Bus) – www.uhs.wisc.edu
• UW campus, University Health Services, 333 East Campus Mall
• Call (608) 265-5600 for an appointment
• Free if UW student enrolled for current semester
• Free if you live in Dane County and have no health insurance
• Modest fee for non-students with health insurance
Planned Parenthood – www.ppwi.org
• Two locations
o SOUTH: 2222 South Park Street, inside Madison Urban League building
§ Call (608) 251-6546 for more information
o EAST: 3706 Orin Road near MATC
§ Call (608) 241-3767 for more information
• Ask for free condoms
Public Health - Madison and Dane County – www.publichealthmdc.com
• Call (608) 266-4821 or (608) 243-0411
• Two locations
o EAST: 2705 East Washington Avenue, 2nd floor
§ Free walk-in HIV testing Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 1-4 p.m.
§ Free walk-in HIV testing Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 12
p.m.
o SOUTH: 2300 South Park Street, Suite 2010 (Elevator/stairs on left inside
building)
§ Free walk-in HIV testing Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1-4 p.m. and
Thursday from 5-7 p.m.
AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW)
• 600 Williamson Street, Ste. H, Madison, WI 53703
• Call (608) 252-6540 for more information
• Free confidential or anonymous HIV testing, call for current times and eligibility
• Free condoms available