Find frequently asked questions about HIV, STI/STD, Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). You can ask your own or your loved one’s questions.
Myths related to HIV
- HIV can be transmitted through sharing toilets or bathroom facilities.
- HIV can be transmitted through casual contact with someone who has an undetectable viral load.
- HIV is a gay disease.
- HIV can be transmitted through sharing clothing or personal belongings.
- HIV can be transmitted through insect bites.
- HIV can be transmitted through casual contact with blood.
- HIV can be transmitted through deep kissing with an HIV-positive person.
- HIV can be transmitted through sharing water or swimming in the same pool as an HIV-positive person.
- HIV can be transmitted through sharing needles for medical procedures or vaccinations.
- HIV can be transmitted through oral or anal sex, even with a condom.
- People with HIV cannot have a healthy sex life or have children.
- HIV can be transmitted through receiving a blood transfusion.
- HIV can be transmitted through breastfeeding, even if the mother is on antiretroviral therapy.
Myths related to PrEP
- PrEP is a cure for HIV.
- PrEP protects against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- PrEP can be taken only when engaging in sexual activity.
- PrEP is only for men who have sex with men.
- PrEP is only for people in committed relationships.
- PrEP is 100% effective in preventing HIV.
- PrEP is only for HIV-negative individuals.
- PrEP is too expensive and inaccessible.
- PrEP leads to high-risk behavior and promiscuity.
- PrEP has severe side effects.
- PrEP is a one-time pill that provides immediate protection against HIV.
- PrEP is a one-time pill that provides immediate protection against HIV.
- PrEP is only necessary for individuals with multiple sexual partners.
- PrEP is only for young people or certain age groups.
- PrEP causes drug resistance and makes future HIV treatment ineffective.
- PrEP eliminates the need for condom use during sexual activity.
- PrEP can be taken intermittently (on-demand) instead of daily.
- PrEP is not needed if the HIV-positive partner has an undetectable viral load.
- PrEP is only for individuals who engage in anal sex.
- PrEP is addictive and can lead to substance abuse.
- PrEP is a substitute for regular HIV testing.
Myths related to PEP
- PEP is a cure for HIV.
- PEP can be taken anytime after potential exposure.
- PEP protects against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- PEP is only for individuals in high-risk groups.
- PEP is only needed if the partner is known to be HIV-positive.
- PEP can be taken as a long-term prevention strategy.
- PEP is easily accessible over the counter.
- PEP is only necessary after unprotected vaginal or anal sex.
- PEP has severe and long-lasting side effects.
- PEP can be taken as a substitute for condom use.
- PEP is effective in preventing HIV transmission if taken days after exposure.
- PEP can be taken multiple times without any limitations.
- PEP is only necessary for healthcare workers or individuals in specific professions.
- PEP can be taken by individuals with low-risk exposures.
- PEP is a guarantee against HIV infection, even in high-risk situations.
- PEP is easily accessible without a prescription.
- PEP is only needed if the HIV status of the source person is unknown.
- PEP can be discontinued once symptoms of HIV infection disappear.
- PEP is a permanent solution to prevent HIV infection.
Myths
related to STIs/STDs
- You can’t get an STI if you have sex with only one partner.
- Only promiscuous individuals can get STIs.
- STIs can be cured by over-the-counter medications or home remedies.
- You can’t get an STI if you practice oral or anal sex instead of vaginal sex.
- Condoms provide 100% protection against all STIs.
- If you have an STI, you will always show symptoms.
- STIs can be contracted from toilet seats or shared objects.
- You can’t get an STI if you’re in a long-term monogamous relationship.
- STIs only affect certain age groups or demographics.
- Only people with multiple sexual partners need to get tested for STIs.
- You can’t get an STI if your partner doesn’t have any symptoms.
- STIs are only transmitted through penetrative sexual intercourse.
- All STIs are curable.
- STIs are a punishment for promiscuity or immoral behavior.
- You can’t get an STI from oral sex.
- You can’t get an STI if you’re using hormonal contraception.
- STIs can be diagnosed based on visual appearance alone.
- STIs only affect people with poor personal hygiene.
- You can’t get an STI from a public swimming pool or hot tub.
- Only women can get STIs.