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.

I Don’t Want Another Abortion

November 11, 2025
Learning you’re unexpectedly pregnant can bring up complicated emotions, uncertainty, fear, or even exhaustion if you’ve faced this situation before. You may know that you don’t want another abortion, but still wonder what options exist for your future. At Collage, we provide free and confidential support so you can explore your choices in a compassionate environment. Whether you want to understand what parenting or adoption could look like or simply need someone to listen, you’re not alone. Schedule a free appointment today to learn how we can help. Exploring Parenting Parenting can feel like an enormous responsibility, especially if your finances, relationships, or housing situation are uncertain. Many women ask themselves: “Can I really do this on my own?” “Where will I find the help I need?” “What kind of future can I provide for my child?” These are real and valid questions. At Collage, we’ll help you identify the resources and support available in your community. From offering a warm, supportive presence as you explore this option to providing referrals for resources like housing or childcare support, we’ll ensure you’re not facing these challenges alone. Parenting can be both demanding and deeply rewarding. With encouragement, community connections, and the right information, you can feel more confident in providing a stable, nurturing environment for your child. Understanding Adoption If parenting doesn’t feel like the right fit for your current situation, adoption offers another path forward, one rooted in hope and love. You remain in control of the process, deciding how involved you wish to be in your child’s life. You can select from multiple adoption plans depending on your comfort level: Open adoption: Allows for ongoing communication and contact between you, your child, and the adoptive family. Semi-open adoption: Offers limited contact through a third party, maintaining privacy while keeping some connection. Closed adoption: Protects complete confidentiality with no exchange of identifying information. Financial support is available throughout the adoption process. You’ll never pay for legal or medical services related to adoption. Best of all, adoption agencies can help ensure your needs are met and your wishes are respected every step of the way. Adoption is not an easy decision, but for some women, it brings a sense of peace and purpose, knowing their child is loved and cared for in a stable environment. We can discuss this option with you and offer referrals to reputable agencies so you feel informed. Taking the Next Step Your situation is unique, and so is your decision. Whether you’re considering parenting or adoption or simply need time to process your feelings, Collage is here to provide information and encouragement. We’re available to answer questions, explain your options, and connect you with trusted community resources, all at no cost and in a confidential setting. Schedule your free appointment today to start finding clarity and peace of mind. FAQ: Is it normal to feel uncertain about my decision? Yes. Many women experience mixed emotions when facing an unexpected pregnancy. It’s okay to take time and talk through your options before deciding. What if I don’t think I can afford to parent? We can connect you with programs and community partners that provide material and emotional support, so you will feel more equipped to parent if you choose to. How does adoption work? You remain in control. You’ll choose the family and the level of contact and receive guidance from trusted professionals who handle the legal and practical aspects of the process. Are services at Collage really free? Yes. All services are completely free and confidential. Your privacy and comfort are our priority. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.

What Can Guys Do with an Unexpected Pregnancy?

By Kirsten Berns • October 28, 2025
Finding out your partner is unexpectedly pregnant can change everything in an instant. You may feel shocked, worried, or unsure about your role. Those feelings are normal. What matters most is how you respond in this moment and what steps you take next. At Collage, we provide no-cost and confidential services for women and men walking through unexpected pregnancies. Schedule an appointment to learn how we can support you—you don’t have to carry the weight of this situation alone. Understanding Your Own Feelings Before you can support your partner, it’s important to process what you’re experiencing. Talking with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor can help you sort through your emotions and understand what this news means. Showing your partner that you are engaging with your own feelings demonstrates that you are taking the pregnancy seriously. Walking With Her Your partner may be feeling the same uncertainty and fear that you are. One of the most powerful things you can do is simply be present. Attend appointments with her, listen when she shares her concerns, and offer support, like running errands or helping with everyday tasks. These small actions communicate that she is not facing this alone. Learning Together Getting informed is one of the best steps you can take together. At Collage, we provide option information so you and your partner can learn more about parenting, adoption, and abortion. Our staff will answer questions and help you understand what each option may look like. Having reliable, unbiased information allows you to approach this decision more confidently. Taking the Next Step This is not something you have to figure out overnight. Unexpected pregnancies can feel overwhelming, but there are resources, support, and people who care about both of you. Collage is here to listen, guide, and provide clarity when you need it most. Request your no-cost and confidential appointment today. Moving forward together can make all the difference. FAQ: What role should I play if my partner is pregnant? Listening, staying present, and supporting her as she makes decisions is crucial. You don’t have to have every answer, but being by her side matters. Can I attend appointments with her? Yes, and many women appreciate having their partner there. It shows support and can help both of you learn about options together. What if my partner chooses parenting and I don’t feel ready to be a dad? It’s normal to feel unprepared. Talking through your concerns with someone you trust and learning about options can help you move forward with more clarity.  Does Collage provide abortions? Collage does not provide or refer for abortions. However, we do provide no-cost pre-abortion screenings, confidential services, accurate information, and compassionate support so you and your partner can make informed decisions.

How Will Abortion Affect Me Mentally?

September 24, 2025
When considering abortion, it’s natural to wonder how the decision could affect your mental health. While every woman’s experience is different, being aware of possible emotional impacts and taking time to reflect on your circumstances can help you make an informed choice. At Collage, we provide free, confidential support so you don’t have to navigate these questions alone. Our staff is here to listen, answer your questions, and connect you with the resources you need as you process your options. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.  What Research Suggests Research has shown that abortion can lead to a range of emotional responses. The American Psychological Association notes that some women experience grief, sadness, or even clinically significant issues like depression and anxiety afterward. Certain factors may make these outcomes more likely, such as: A history of mental health challenges Pressure from others to make a decision Lack of support or secrecy about the pregnancy Strong personal, cultural, or spiritual beliefs Wanting to continue the pregnancy but feeling unable to Recognizing how these factors may apply to your situation can help you prepare and seek support. You Have Other Options You are the one who will live with this decision, so it’s important not to rush. Confirming your pregnancy with a lab- quality test and ultrasound can provide clarity and help you understand your options, which include parenting and adoption. Speaking with a counselor or a healthcare professional can also give you space to process your feelings without judgment. We’re Here for You At Collage, we offer free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and confidential consultations so you can explore your options with accurate information and compassionate support. Schedule your free appointment today. You deserve the time, space, and care to make a confident decision with your mental health top of mind. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do provide pre-abortion screenings.
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