Sexual Health Week 2025 – Busting Myths Online

Sexual Health Week 2025 – Busting Myths Online

Sexual Health Week runs from 15–21 September 2025, and this year’s theme is “Chronically Online.” The campaign explores how social media and digital culture influence our understanding of sex, relationships, and health and how quickly myths can spread.

From contraception to STI to HIV prevention, misinformation online can cause confusion and sometimes harm. That’s why this awareness week is so important: it gives us the chance to challenge myths, share facts, and signpost people to trusted advice.

At Sexual Health Wirral, we believe accurate knowledge empowers people to make informed decisions about their health. By providing reliable information and tackling misinformation we can cut through the online noise, reduce stigma, and support healthier choices for everyone.

Myth vs Fact:

Myth: The pill makes you infertile.
Fact: Fertility usually returns quickly after stopping the pill. Most people can become pregnant within a few months.

Myth: Hormonal contraception always causes weight gain.
Fact: Research shows there’s no consistent link. Some people may notice small changes, but it’s not universal.

Myth: You can tell if someone has an STI just by looking at them.
Fact: Most STIs don’t have visible symptoms. The only way to know is to get tested.

Myth: You only need to get tested if you have symptoms.
Fact: Many STIs are symptomless but can still cause long-term health problems if left untreated.

Myth: HIV is a death sentence.
Fact: With effective treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives. Treatment also prevents onward transmission (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable).

Myth: Only certain groups of people are at risk of HIV.
Fact: Anyone can be at risk if they have unprotected sex or share needles. HIV does not discriminate.