That Ain’t True!: 10 Sexual Health Myths
Debunking the most popular untruths about sex.
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Don’t Believe the Hype! - Even though there are lots of resources and websites to help educate us about sexual health, there are plenty of mistruths out there, too. Read more about debunking the most popular reproductive and sexual myths out there and why we shouldn’t listen to the noise. — Kellee Terrell(Photo: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images
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Only Promiscuous People Get STDs - Anyone, regardless of having one or numerous sexual partners, is at risk for contracting an STD. Actually, past studies have shown that people in monogamous relationships may be more at risk for HIV and STDs because they are more willing to forgo using condoms. (Photo: Simon Watson/Getty Images)
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You Can’t Get Pregnant on Your First Time - All it takes is one time, especially if you are ovulating — when a woman’s egg is released from her ovaries and is pushed down to the fallopian tubes waiting to be fertilized. Whether you are just starting to have sex or have been having sex for a while, your risk of pregnancy is the same.
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If I Had an STD, I Would Know - I know that we’ve all seen the “cauliflower” slides in sex ed class, but in reality many people, especially men, are asymptomatic. This means that whatever STD they have, it shows no symptoms. The only way to know if you have an STD is to get tested. (Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Pulling Out Works - The pull-out method is tricky because there are studies that show that it can be somewhat effective in preventing pregnancy. But keep in mind: It’s not foolproof and there is no way to improve your technique. Also, pulling out doesn’t protect you from STDs because you don’t need to ejaculate per se to transmit or contract an STD such as herpes, gonorrhea or chlamydia.(Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)
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You Can Catch an STD From a Toilet Seat - STDs don’t live outside the body long enough for them to be “picked” up by someone else on a surface, especially one that is cold. Yet, you can pass STDs like herpes and genital warts from skin-to-skin contact. (Photo: David Freund/Getty images)
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Men Cannot Contract HIV From Women - Yes, it’s much more likely for women to contract HIV from heterosexual vaginal sex with men, but there is still a risk that men can contract HIV from women. Studies have also shown that uncircumcised men are more at risk for contracting HIV from women compared to circumcised men. (Photo: Mike Segar/Reuters)
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Lube Is Only for Anal Sex - Yes, the anus is a much tighter orifice and may need some “extra help” for penetration, but lube is also really good for vaginal sex, too. Water-based lubes can help keep your condom from breaking, which is crucial in protecting you from contracting HIV, other STDs and pregnancy. Do not use an oil-based lubricant (like petroleum jelly, hand lotion or cooking oil) because they can damage condoms, AIDS.Gov warns.(Photo: K-Y)
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Douching Is Good For You - Your vagina naturally cleanses itself and douching can do more harm than good, says the The National Women's Health Information Center. Douching can mess up the natural bacteria that live in your vagina and actually help spread vaginal infections throughout your vagina to other parts such as your ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes. All you need is a mild soap down there. And stay away from sprays and scented liners/pads, too.(Photo: SSPL/Getty Images)
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My Girl Is on the Pill, We’re Good - If your girl is on the birth control pill or another form of hormonal contraception, that will protect her from getting pregnant. But it will not protect her against HIV and other STDs. So make sure that you make her and your health a priority and use condoms consistently. (Photo: Kelsey Snell/MCT/Landov)