10 Common Sexual Health Myths

When it comes to sex, there still seems to be an endless supply of myths floating the sexual-river. You may have heard that “You can’t get pregnant if it’s your first time, or that “sex is painful” or our particular favourite “You can’t use condoms if you’re allergic to latex. For many people it can often be embarrassing to talk about sex, therefore questions are never asked and myths never get challenged.

With this in mind, we thought we’ll get to the bottom of these sexual stories in a little bit of sex education - here’s 10 of the most common sexual health myths being laid to bed… 

Sex Myth: You can’t get a sexually transmitted infection from oral sex

False: A common sexual health myth is that you can’t get a sexually transmitted infection from oral sex. This misconception is incorrect and can lead to the spread of infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. Even though the chance of catching a sexually transmitted infection from oral sex is lower than vaginal or anal sex, it can still happen.

During oral sex, the risks of catching a sexually transmitted infection are higher if there are cuts, sores or direct skin-to-skin with infected areas. If an individual performing oral sex has a cut in their mouth or the person receiving oral sex has genital sores, the risk of transmission can increase. In order to reduce the risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection during oral sex, it’s important to use a condom or dam.

Sex Myth: Erectile Dysfunction only affects older men 

False: Many people think that erectile dysfunction only affects older men, but that’s not true. Issues with getting an erection or keeping an erection can occur at any age, and is influenced by various factors, including physical health, lifestyle or psychological well being. While age does increase the risk of erectile dysfunction, due to changes in blood flow and hormonal levels, younger men can also experience this condition, especially if they are experiencing stress, relationship problems or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes. 

Sex Myth: Using two condoms provides extra protection 

False: There’s a common misconception that using two condoms, or commonly known as ‘double bagging’ offers better protection against sexually transmitted infections or unintended pregnancy. Some people believe that by adding an extra layer of protection it can reduce the risk of the condom breaking or leakage during sexual activity. However, this is not true. Using two condoms at the same time can actually increase the likelihood of the condom breaking. When two condoms are used together, it creates friction between them both, leading to higher chances of tearing or slipping off during intercourse. Therefore, using two condoms can reduce the effectiveness of the condom and increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy.

Sex Myth: Big penis = better pleasure

False: There has long been a misconception that a bigger penis provides more pleasure and that simply is not true. All penises come in shapes and sizes - it’s what you do with the penis that matters. Amazing sex comes from foreplay, sexual arousal and technique - and for those with a vagina, most of the sensitive vaginal nerves are near to the vaginal opening anyway. There’s a famous saying: ‘It's not the size of the ship, it’s the motion of the ocean’. 

 

Sex Myth: Sex is painful

False: Sex is not painful, it’s pleasurable. If it’s not your first time having sex, then sex shouldn’t cause you any pain or discomfort. If there is pain during sexual intercourse, it may be a good idea to get yourself a sexual health check-up or speak to your GP.

You may remember from sex education at school that if you have a vagina and it’s your first time having sex, it may feel a little tender when the penis goes into the vaginal opening. This is because the penis can cause the hymen to break - don’t worry though, it’s perfectly normal and it won’t be like this every time.  

Sex Myth: You can’t get pregnant if…

• It’s your first time
• You use the pull-out method 
• You’re on your period

False: Even if it’s your first time, you use the pull-out method or you’re on your period, you can still get pregnant. Pregnancy occurs when a sperm fertilises an egg (and remember, ejaculation carries up to 200 million sperm). There’s also sperm in pre-cum which leaks during arousal so the best way to prevent pregnancy, HIV and sexually transmitted infections is by using a condom. Condoms stop sperm coming into contact with the vagina, preventing any sexual fluids from being transferred. But what about if you’re on your period? sperm can live in the body for up to 5 days so even if you have sex during your period, you may ovulate within 5 days afterwards.

Sex Myth: Condoms make sex less enjoyable

False: Condoms may prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, but that doesn’t mean they make sex any less enjoyable. If you’re not constantly worried about getting an STI or getting pregnant, you’ll be able to relax more which will only enhance your sexual experience. With so many different condoms available, from various sizes, sensations and flavours there really is a condom for every occasion (or position).

Sex Myth: Anal sex is only for gay men.

False: Anal sex is completely normal for all couples, regardless of sexual orientation. Whether you indulge in a bit of paedicatio depends on you and your partners desires. Some couples prefer to add anal stimulation or anal foreplay into their sex-life, while other’s dislike it. Communicate with your partner about their sexual preferences and if you both fancied trying something new, you might be pleasantly surprised. 

Sex Myth: You can’t use condoms if you are allergic to latex

False: One of the biggest myths in sex is that you can’t wear a condom if you are allergic to latex. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There are many latex-free condoms out there that are designed to protect you from sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy in just the same way as a latex condom. Try our thinnest condom here latex-free condoms. 

Sex Myth: Sex should be like a pornographic movie

False. Porn is designed to be entertainment, not sex education. Most people in pornographic movies are actors and the content is fictitious. What you see in porn is a lack of foreplay, a misconception that all women love doggy-style and that group sex is standard. What we know from reality is that most partners love foreplay, doggy-style is a take-it or leave-it position and group sex is definitely a personal preference. Just like with condoms, porn is not a one-size fits all approach...