STD Myths

March 24, 2011
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When it comes to STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) there are still a lot of misperceptions and misunderstandings. It’s important we know the truth about STDs so that we can take control of our own health and well-being. So let’s clear up some of the myths.


10 Myths about STDs:

1. I can’t get STDs from oral sex. Actually, you can. STDs can be transmitted from genital-to-genital contact, from oral-to-genital contact, or from skin-to-skin contact. If you’re having any kind of sex at all – or if you’re having any kind of intimate skin-to-skin contact – talk to your doctor about being screened for STDs.


2. Using a condom protects against STDs. This is a common misperception, but it just isn’t true. STDs like herpes and genital warts can break out in areas that a condom doesn’t cover, so a condom won’t completely protect you from them.


3. Two condoms are better than one. Some people think if one condom can’t completely protect you from an STD, then layered condoms will double the protection. This isn’t true. Using two condoms actually offers less protection than one. Why? Because the two condoms will rub against each other and the friction will weaken both condoms.


4. The birth control pill protects against STDs. Though the pill works pretty well at preventing pregnancy, it can’t protect you against any STD.


5. I can tell whether my partner has an STD. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. You can’t tell if someone has an STD just by looking at them. Often, many STDs don’t even have any symptoms, so your partner may not even know he or she has an STD. The only way to know for sure whether you have an STD is by being tested, and the only way you can know for sure whether a partner has an STD is if that person is also tested.


6. Chlorine in a hot tub or swimming pool kills sperm and anything that causes an STD. This has been a popular urban legend, but it just isn’t true. Chlorine isn’t a spermicide. It doesn’t kill sperm. And though chlorine does help disinfect the water and kills some bacteria, it doesn’t protect you from an STD. Actually, because the water in a hot tub or pool decreases your body’s natural lubrication, you’re more likely to get tiny micro-abrasions in your genital area from the friction of sex, which makes you more susceptible to an STD.


7. I’ve only had sex with one person, so there’s no way I have an STD. Just as you can get pregnant by having sex one time, you can contract an STD any time you have sex – even the first time. If the one person you’ve had sex with has an STD, you’re at risk of also getting that STD. And some STDs can be spread by skin-to-skin contact, so you don’t even have to have full sexual intercourse to get those STDs.


8. I’ve only had a couple sexual partners, and I plan to stay with my current boyfriend forever, and I don’t have any symptoms, so I don’t have to worry about STDs. Any time you’ve had sex with someone, you’ve been exposed to any STDs that person has. And because so many STDs don’t have any overt symptoms, a lot of people don’t even know they have an STD. The only way to know for sure whether you have an STD is to be screened by a medical professional. And the only way to know for sure if your partner has an STD is for him or her to be screened.


9. I’ve been sexually active for a long time and I’ve had several partners. I’d definitely know by now if I had an STD. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. As we’ve said, many STDs don’t have any symptoms that you’d notice.


10. I can’t have more than one STD. This is also false. Actually, it’s common for two or more STDs to go hand-in-hand and be present at the same time. That’s why doctors usually screen for multiple STDs and consider you at risk for other STDs if you’re diagnosed with one.

STDs are common – especially among young people. According to the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/std/life-stages-populations/stdfact-teens.htm), there are about 20 million new cases of STDs each year in the United States. About half of those – 10 million infections – are among people ages 15 – 24. It’s important for you to know the facts so you can protect yourself.


The only way to completely protect yourself from getting an STD is to not have any kind of sex – anal, oral, or vaginal – and to avoid intimate skin-to-skin contact. If you do decide to have sex, it’s important that both you and your partner are tested for STDs beforehand and that you are both committed to a mutually monogamous relationship – this means you both agree and commit to only ever having any kind of sex with each other.



Have you heard some information about STDs and you’re wondering if it’s true or a myth? Ask us about it in the comments below or call us in Kearney at 308-234-9880 or in Grand Island at 308-675-2217. We’d love to help you be informed so that you can take charge of your sexual health.

How Does Abortion End My Pregnancy?

May 29, 2026
If you’ve recently learned you are pregnant unexpectedly, we understand how overwhelming this might feel right now. If you're considering abortion as an option, taking time to understand how the process works is important so you can make an informed decision. Collage is here to help provide you with confidential support and abortion information at no cost. We offer a safe space, free of judgment, where you can think calmly about your options, receive lab-quality pregnancy testing, and get a complimentary ultrasound so you can get the facts around your pregnancy and learn what options are available to you. Schedule your free appointment today. Medical Abortion Medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, ends a pregnancy by using two drugs taken at different times. The first pill, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone and causes the embryo’s death. The second drug, called misoprostol, is usually taken a day or two after and causes the uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy tissue through cramping and bleeding. Common side effects can include bleeding and cramping, bleeding with blood clots, and a low-grade fever. Medical abortion is only approved through ten weeks of gestation by the FDA . Follow-up care is typically recommended after a medical abortion to make sure the process is complete. Surgical Abortion Surgical abortion terminates a pregnancy in a clinic or medical setting and involves removing pregnancy tissue from the uterus through a suction device or a tool called a curette. This can also be called dilation and evacuation or dilation and curettage . Common side effects of surgical abortions are bleeding and cramps. You may also have a late or early period as your uterus has to build a new lining after the procedure. What Are The Risks Of Abortion? Medical and surgical abortion both have possible risks that you should be aware of. Some women may also experience emotional responses afterward. Complications that can arise from abortion are: Infection. Scar tissue on the uterine wall, known as Asherman's syndrome . Heavy bleeding that may not stop. Diarrhea and digestive pain. An incomplete abortion. Confirm Your Pregnancy With An Ultrasound Before making a pregnancy decision, it is important to verify your pregnancy with an ultrasound. An ultrasound provides important medical details such as how far along you are, the location of the pregnancy, and whether a heartbeat is detected. These details are important since the abortion pill is not FDA-approved for over ten weeks, and it also rules out ectopic pregnancy, which requires urgent medical attention. As many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage, and you can still get a positive pregnancy test result for days or weeks after a miscarriage because it takes time for hCG to leave the body. An ultrasound will confirm whether or not you have miscarried. We provide no-cost pregnancy services at our center, including limited OB ultrasounds, so you can get informed about your pregnancy and options. Get Pregnancy Support at College If you're considering your next step after learning you are unexpectedly pregnant, we are here to give you a safe place to ask questions and learn more about your options. Collage provides confidential appointments and no-cost pregnancy services, including medical-grade pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and STD testing . You don’t have to figure this out alone. We are here to listen. Schedule your free confidential appointment to learn more about your options. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.

What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

April 21, 2026
Facing an unexpected pregnancy brings up a lot of questions, and it makes complete sense that you want to understand every option before deciding anything. If you're considering the abortion pill, knowing what it actually involves, including its side effects, is an important part of making a decision based on the facts.  You don't have to sort through this alone. Schedule a no-cost appointment with Collage today to get your questions answered. How the Abortion Pill Works The abortion pill uses two drugs taken in sequence. The first, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone that supports the growth and development of the pregnancy. Without it, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine lining. The second drug, misoprostol, is typically taken at home and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue. Heavy bleeding and cramping will be part of this process, and some women have described the pain as more severe than they anticipated. Side Effects to Know Beyond bleeding and cramping, the abortion pill can also cause these side effects : Upset stomach Vomiting Diarrhea Headache Fever Chills These side effects vary from woman to woman, which is one reason having a healthcare provider involved matters. Without medical oversight, it can be difficult to know what's within the range of normal and what requires immediate attention. Your personal health history also plays a role in how your body responds. Speaking with a medical professional before proceeding is an important step in protecting your well-being. Why an Ultrasound Matters First Before considering any pregnancy option, an ultrasound provides information that a pregnancy test simply cannot. It can confirm whether the pregnancy is progressing, rule out an ectopic pregnancy , and tell you how far along you are. The FDA approves the abortion pill only through 10 weeks gestation, making that last detail a critical piece of information for your safety. We're Here for You Whatever you're feeling right now, there’s no pressure here. At Collage, we genuinely care about you and want to make sure you have everything you need to make a sound decision. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited obstetrical ultrasounds, and our team is ready to talk through all your options, parenting, adoption, and abortion, in a warm, supportive environment. Schedule your no-cost appointment today. We're so glad you reached out. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services. All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

3 Things to Know if You Are Considering Mail-Order Abortion

March 26, 2026
Facing an unexpected pregnancy can bring a lot of emotions, and often, a sense of urgency to make a decision quickly. You may have seen options online to order abortion pills by mail and wondered if it’s a simple solution. Before making a decision, it’s important to understand how this option could affect your health and what steps you can take to make a fully informed decision. 1. Your Health Should Always Come First Mail-order abortion often skips important medical safeguards. In many cases, there is no in-person evaluation before receiving the drugs. That means key health factors, such as your medical history and potential risks, will not be fully considered. There can also be uncertainty about the source of the drugs, including how they were handled, stored, or dosed. In fact, the FDA does not recommend this option because the drugs’ quality, safety, and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. Taking time to understand your health first is a smart and proactive way to protect yourself. 2. You Need Clear Answers About Your Pregnancy A pregnancy test alone doesn’t give you the full picture. Before considering abortion, it’s important to confirm details about your pregnancy through an ultrasound. An ultrasound can tell you: How far along are you? Whether the pregnancy is developing (or if you’ve miscarried ) Where the pregnancy is located These details matter more than you might think. Abortion pills are FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation, and without accurate dating, it’s possible to miscalculate how far along you are. An ultrasound can also detect an ectopic pregnancy , which occurs outside the uterus and requires immediate medical attention. Abortion pills will not treat this condition. What’s more, if you’ve experienced a miscarriage, you may require medical follow-up to prevent complications. Getting these details first helps ensure your safety. We offer limited OB ultrasounds following positive lab-quality pregnancy testing with us. 3. It’s Important to Understand the Process and Risks Mail-order abortion may sound straightforward, but it’s important to know what it may actually involve. The process includes significant cramping and bleeding as the body expels the pregnancy, with some women describing the pain as being unexpectedly severe . Other side effects can include: Nausea or vomiting Fever or chills Diarrhea Headaches There are also potential risks , such as heavy bleeding, infection, or an incomplete abortion that may require additional medical care. Without in-person support, it can be difficult to know what’s expected and when something may need medical attention. You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone When everything feels overwhelming, it can help to take a moment to evaluate your next steps and get the information you need. At Collage, we provide no-cost, confidential services so you can ask questions, gather accurate information, and explore your options at your own pace in a one-on-one setting. Schedule your appointment today. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services. All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
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