Review the following sex myths on sex, birth control and sexually transmitted diseases.

Condoms are unreliable forms of birth control
Faulty placement is the most common mistake condom users make. Incorrect use alone is when accidents happen. Latex condoms have a high efficacy rate – as long as they are placed properly, used with consistency, within the appropriate timeframe of its expiration date. (Proper condom placement allows for a finger-sized space at the head of the prophylactic’s tip.

Oral sex is the only way to avoid sexually transmitted diseases.
Sexually transmitted diseases are not limited to intercourse only. Even through oral sex, sexually transmitted diseases are possible without protection. With the exchange of fluids during the mouth-to-sexual organ contact, viruses and bacteria are contractible. If a person makes oral contact with a person who has herpes complex, the other person maybe infected from the contact. Abstinence or the use of a latex condom is the only way to avoid infectious diseases.

As long as a woman is taking the birth control pill, condoms are unnecessary.
While birth control pills protect against unplanned/unwanted pregnancies, oral contraceptives do not prevent the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms prevent against both unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmittable diseases. While abstinence is best defense against STDs, the use of a condom may reduce the risks.

Herpes is contagious only when the person has an outbreak.
Even though the spread of genital herpes is uncommon during non-outbreak periods, there is a possibility of passing the virus onto a partner. Blisters and open sores on or around the genital organ is an indicator of genital herpes. Although prophylactics may slightly reduce the risk of transmission, they do not offer absolute protection.