Society has perpetuated all sorts of myths and misconceptions around sexual health, which leads to a great deal of confusion and misunderstanding about important principles in sexual health. These misconceptions have their origins in cultural taboos, outdated social norms, and the myths of history – all combining trends of ignorance. The aforementioned topics and more can be decoded so more sexually educated decisions are made by individuals.
Debunking Common Myths About Sexual Health
Myth 1: Pregnancy During Periods Is Impossible
A common myth is that a woman cannot get pregnant during her period. Although the chances of pregnancy are much lower when she is not ovulating, it can still happen. Zygotes will not die, and embryos are capable of being formed up to five days after a menstrual period because sperm typically live inside the body of a woman for this long. The researchers published their findings in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, where they noted that around 25% of women who had sex during their period and tracked their cycles had become pregnant.
Myth 2: Condoms Are Not Necessary for Oral Sex
Condoms are also useless for oral sex. But this notion disregards the reality that STIs can be passed during oral sex. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that diseases like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and even HIV can be transmitted by direct oral contact with infected genitals or bodily fluids. When engaging in oral sex, using a condom or dental dam can greatly limit the risk of STI transmission.
Myth 3: STIs Are Only a Risk for People with Many Partners
Thinking STDs are only passed on by those with many sexual partners is misleading. The reality is that everyone who has sex can get an STI, regardless of how many partners they have had. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of people across the globe are diagnosed with an STI annually, further pressing on the need for everyone—not just those labeled “promiscuous”—to regularly test and practice safe sex.
Fact 4: Birth Control Pills Do Not Cause Weight Gain
Historically, many women complain that taking birth control pills always amounts to weight gain. All of the relevant research conducted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) indicates that women on hormonal methods, for the most part, do not gain any significant weight. There are many factors that cause a change in weight and not the use of birth control pills.
Sexual health practices are largely influenced by cultural beliefs and attitudes about sexuality. Misconceptions about sexual health arise as a result of societal norms that shame open talks about sex, thereby withholding facts from people.
Myth 5: STIs Are Easy to Detect
Some believe it would be easy to detect an STI since they should show visible symptoms. Many STIs, in fact, can be asymptomatic for long periods, and their transmission may go unrecognized. Troublingly, 70% of infected women and 50% of men do not exhibit symptoms. Routine checkups are crucial to detect and treat STIs early, as highlighted by the CDC.
Myth 6: HIV Can Only Be Transmitted Through Sexual Intercourse
It is false to believe HIV can only be transmitted by having sex. There are routes of transmission besides sexual contact: sharing needles, mother-to-child transmission during childbirth and breastfeeding, and contact with infected blood. Using clean needles and having safer sex are vital ways of deterring the spread of HIV, the CDC underscored.
Myth 7: Sex Should Always Hurt for Women
The idea that women should endure pain during intercourse is a harmful myth. Painful intercourse, or dyspareunia, is not normal and may indicate an underlying condition such as infection, hormonal imbalance, or psychological factors. Approximately 15-20% of women experience chronic pain during penetrative sex, according to research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Myth 8: “No Sex, Please, We’re British”
Sex remains a hush-hush topic in many cultures, leading to misinformation and discomfort. This stigma feeds into other myths that prevent understanding of sexual health issues. Studies from the Guttmacher Institute have shown that comprehensive sex education leads to substantial gains in knowledge and lower rates of unintended pregnancy and STIs.
Myth 9: All STIs Can Be Cured
Not all STIs are curable. While antibiotics can treat infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea, others, such as HIV and herpes, require lifelong management. The World Health Organization emphasizes the need for awareness of the differences between curable and controllable STIs to encourage informed decisions.
Myth 10: Pregnancy Is Impossible While Breastfeeding
This misunderstanding, known as the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM), is not foolproof. Ovulation can return as early as six weeks postpartum, even before menstruation resumes. Using alternative contraception during breastfeeding is advisable, as noted by ACOG.
Myth 11: Vaginal Douching Is Necessary for Hygiene
Douching is unnecessary and can disrupt the natural balance of vaginal bacteria, leading to infections. The American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that vaginas are self-cleaning and advises against douching.
Fact 12: Sexual Orientation Cannot Be Changed
Efforts to alter sexual orientation are not only fruitless but also harmful. The American Psychological Association confirms that such practices lack scientific backing and can cause psychological damage.
Towards Better Sexual Health Practices
Educational initiatives and advocacy are critical in debunking myths and promoting accurate information about sexual health.
1. Teach Real Sex Education
Providing proper education on topics like consent, STI prevention, and safe sex can eliminate myths and foster healthier behaviors.
2. Encourage Open Dialogue
Creating a safe environment for discussing sexual health allows individuals to seek help and make informed decisions.
3. Utilize Media and Technology
Leveraging digital platforms to share credible information can combat myths and promote awareness effectively.
Dispelled myths contribute to better sexual well-being and healthier relationships, ultimately leading to a more informed society.
