“False sense of security”: Eight myths that continue to fuel the spread of sexually transmitted infections

A false sense of security is helping sexually transmitted infections spread, according to Argentina’s Society of Dermatology. Its prevention campaign focuses on eight myths that professionals encounter in consultations across the country.

The misconceptions include the belief that a previous infection protects against getting it again, that oral sex cannot transmit infections, that contact without penetration prevents transmission, or that people need to warn a sexual partner only when symptoms appear. The campaign says these ideas contribute to the spread of syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, HIV, mpox and hepatitis B and C.

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Many STIs show their first signs on the skin and mucous membranes, but they often go unnoticed. They can also cause no symptoms or discomfort and be detected through a test.

The figures for syphilis are especially stark. During the first half of 2026, 32,377 cases were detected in the general population. That was nearly twice the average of 18,105 cases recorded during the same period from 2022 through 2025. Detection during pregnancy also rose, from a four-year average of 5,779 women with the infection to 7,296 diagnoses this year.

“Many STIs show their first signs on the skin and mucous membranes, but they often go unnoticed. They can also cause no symptoms or discomfort and be detected through a test,” said the Society of Dermatology team leading the campaign. The professionals stressed that any sexually active person can acquire an STI, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, age or social and cultural background.

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Any sexually active person can acquire them, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, age and social and cultural background.

Patricia Fernández Pardal, the campaign’s coordinator, said unsupported claims are often amplified on social networks and reach patients of all ages. “Misconceptions often reduce risk awareness and create a false sense of security, an ‘It won’t happen to me’ attitude, and that reduces the use of protection,” she said.

The campaign also warns that myths can produce fear. Some people may avoid vaccines that offer protection, hesitate to tell sexual contacts about a diagnosis, or feel ashamed to seek care. The Society of Dermatology says infections can spread through blood, genital fluids, direct skin-to-skin or mucous-membrane contact, shared sex toys and vertical transmission from mother to child.

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Misconceptions often reduce risk awareness and create a false sense of security, an ‘It won’t happen to me’ attitude, and that reduces the use of protection.