7 Myths About Sex We All Believed

For most of us, early understanding about sexuality came from a random mixture of movie scenes, classes at school, and a few vague conversations from adults during our teenage years.

As a result, much of what we know about sex is actually a collection of half-truths and myths. In other areas of life, a few myths are harmless.

But when it comes to sex and reproduction, half-truths can lead to STIs, relational stress, and unexpected pregnancies.

So, today we wanted to tackle common misperceptions about sex and debunk the myths.

Sex Myth #1: Sex burns a ton of calories and can help with weight loss

Sorry to burst your bubble, but if you’re having a ton of sex with its cardio benefit in mind, you’ve believed a false truth. Experts estimate that thirty minutes of sex burns about 85 to 150 calories. So, if your goal was to lose a pound, you’d have to burn about 3,500 calories, which translates into 35 sexual encounters.

Here’s the thing: Most people aren’t having sex for 30 minutes, but closer to five minutes making sex an unreliable and unreasonable weight loss tactic. In fact, the biggest increase in your heart rate and blood pressure during sex only occurs for about fifteen seconds during orgasm. However, things quickly return to normal after that.

Sex Myth #2: You can’t get pregnant while on your period

The truth is, you CAN get pregnant if you have unprotected sex while on your period. While this situation is unlikely, it is very much possible and depends largely on how long your menstrual cycle is. Here’s the science behind it…

Some women have shorter menstrual cycles, which means that their ovulation stage also happens earlier. That, coupled with the fact that sperm can live inside the human body for up to 5 days, means that if the timing is right, sperm could live inside the female body for just long enough to survive the period and fertilize an egg.

If you have period sex, make sure you use a barrier contraceptive like a condom to prevent unintended pregnancy.

Sex Myth #3: All women orgasm during vaginal sex

Studies report that nearly 75 percent of women don’t orgasm through vaginal sex alone. According to another recent study published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, almost 37% of women said they need some other sort of stimulation during intercourse to achieve an orgasm. The good news is that clitoral stimulation is a reliable way to stimulate an orgasm for most women.

Sex Myth #4: You can’t get pregnant if you have sex standing up.

It’s a common myth that if you have sex while standing up, gravity while keep the sperm from swimming to the woman’s egg. But the truth is, standing up does nothing to prevent a pregnancy.

When a man ejaculates during vaginal sex, millions of sperm are thrust into your vagina and standing won’t keep the sperm from reaching your egg. Jumping up and down, douching, or rinsing out your vagina after sex also doesn’t prevent fertilization.

Regardless of the sexual position chosen, if you have unprotected sex, there’s a chance you will get pregnant.

Sex Myth #5: Condoms make sex less enjoyable

According to Dr. Logan Levkoff, a nationally recognized health and sexuality expert who works with Trojan brand condoms, this is a huge myth, “Because we have these preconceived notions of what condoms are — thick latex, big, smelly — we perpetuate the message that condoms don’t feel good or condoms aren’t fun. And the reality is that condoms have lower latex odor today and they feel great.”

In fact, a study done at Indiana University found that people rate sex with condoms equally as pleasurable as sex without condoms.

Sex Myth #6: You can’t get pregnant from pre-cum

Pre-cum is a lubricant produced by a gland in the penis and it’s released before ejaculation. While pre-cum doesn’t naturally contain any sperm, sperm can leak into this lubricant periodically.

It’s possible for semen to linger in the urethra after ejaculation and mix with pre-cum on its way out. In fact, a 2016 study by PubMed Medical found mobile sperm present in the pre-cum of nearly 17 percent of its male participants.

Sex Myth #7: If you’re aroused, you shouldn’t need lubricant

The truth is, your level of arousal doesn’t correspond with vaginal wetness, even among younger women. Instead, other elements factor into your need for lubrication, including your monthly cycle, pregnancy, illness, menopause, medications such antihistamines and decongestants. And no—drinking more water won’t help for this one.

For more information on the premature ejaculation treatment available or any sexual health related issues , call or WhatsApp Men’S Health Clinic team today +27 82 487 5965.