Content Verification

Written by:✓

Katie Lasson
Sex and Relationship Adviser

Medically Reviewed by:✓

Veronika Matutyte
Medical Doctor

Fact Checked by:✓

Barbara Santini
Psychologist and Sex and Relationships Advisor

Some myths are innocent, but most are harmful as they can alter people's attitudes toward sex, urging them to indulge in risky sexual acts. This blog has debunked the most common sex myths that can negatively impact peoples' perspectives on sex.

Toilets and Washrooms Can Cause STD Transmission

People are less likely to get STIs from a toilet or washroom surface. This is because the bacteria linked to sexual infections can only survive for a few minutes on toilet seats or bathrooms, lowering the chances of infection. Toilets are among the least mode of infection transmission, especially when kept clean at all times.

Women Tend to Have Multiple Sexual Partners Naturally

Some people believe that women are brainwashed to think that their sexual interest changes from one male or female partner at a time. However, this is not the case, as many women have been in long-term relationships with one partner. The tendency to have numerous partners is self-created and an immoral behavior in society. 

Period Sex Is Safe Sex

 Sperms can stay active in the uterus for up to 5 days. Although it is rare to get pregnant when menstruating, the surviving sperms in the vagina or system can expose women to pregnancy risks. The fact is that women can get pregnant while on their period if they have unprotected intercourse. 

All Women Achieve Vaginal Orgasms

According to various sources, around 48% of women achieve vaginal orgasms frequently. If this describes you, don't be reluctant to discuss your sexual desires with your partner. Spice your sex encounters with various plays and incorporate toys to induce intensifying orgasms in your partner.

HIV Can Be Transmitted Only by Vaginal Sex

HIV can be transmitted in various ways. All individuals have higher infection risks when engaging in raw anal or vaginal sex with an infected partner. Oral sex with an infected person can also attribute to HIV transmission, especially when both lovers have open wounds. For safe sex with a low risk of sexually transmitted infections, engage in raw sex only with trusted partners. Protection is also essential when with multiple partners. 

Some Positions Can Prevent Getting Pregnant

There is limited study to prove that certain sex positions can lower pregnancy risks. Engaging in unprotected sex can result in pregnancy regardless of the sex position people use or even when they clean the vagina after sex. Sex positions don't determine the frequency of the sperms released having contact with the ovary for fertilization. It's an internal process that is not affected by posture. 

Longer Sex Durations Enhance Pleasure

Most people believe that the longer sex takes, the better and more pleasurable it is. However, this is not usually the case, as good sex tends to last an average of 6 to 15 minutes. Various factors, such as arousal and stimulation levels, love, the environment, and mental clarity, determine the pleasure they get from their sexual encounters. It is possible to enjoy short, sweet sex better than long sessions of penetrative sex, which might be painful.  

Men Should Always Carry Condoms

Most women believe that men are tasked to carry condoms during sex. However, condoms can be carried by any partner in a relationship. Both partners are equally obliged to bring condoms in their lovemaking sessions. For safety, women should ensure they have condoms before visiting their lover or making out with untrusted partners. 

There Is No Need for Sex Lubes When Women Are Sexually Stimulated and Aroused

Whether your partner is aroused or not, sex lubes are a must-have in your sexual encounters. The level of natural lubrication depends on age, ovulation cycle, and drug use. Women also have different lubrication levels. Some might be too wet, while others tend to be extremely dry. However, there is no limit to lubrication. Lubricators smoothen insertions and intensify the experiences. 

Sex Is Painful

Sex can be pleasurable when done correctly. However, in rare cases, sex can be painful. Pain in sex can arise due to lack of lubrication or unrelaxed moods which inhibits vaginal contractions and penetration by a large-sized penis or sex toy. To have the best painless sex, communicating to your partner about what you like most is essential. Lubes and other safety measures also guarantee pleasurable encounters with no pain. 

Condoms Take Away the Pleasure of Sex

Condoms are common in lovemaking sessions and are available in various colors, styles, and sizes. They are majorly used for protection against STIs and unplanned pregnancies. To get the most amazing sensations when using condoms, opt for perfect fitting and comfortable condoms. Textured condoms can enhance sensation breaking this myth. 

Masturbation is Harmful

Most myths are of the idea that masturbation is bad for your health. Masturbation is a self-pleasuring act that comes with benefits when done moderately. Engaging in masturbation correctly and moderately can improve sperm quality, sexual desire, and libido and can keep your sexual life active. Masturbation is safer than engaging in unprotected sex. Therefore, forget the taboos and negative beliefs associated with masturbation and stimulate your erogenous zones for intense orgasms. 

The Bottom Line

There are many myths and misconceptions linked to sex. Most beliefs arise due to culture, taboos, and negative views of sexual activities. Some of the myths are based on unproven statements that tend to be held by most individuals. Understanding the above myths will improve your sexual life and give you a better perspective of the sex world.