1.) Catching an STD/STI from a toilet seat –

Catching an STD or STI from a toilet seat is a myth I still hear from time to time. However, this belief is not true. Here’s why: STIs and STDs cannot survive long enough outside the body to infect another person. For transmission to occur, there needs to be skin-to-skin contact or fluid transfer. Even though both you and someone else might touch the same toilet seat, the pathogens die long before you have a chance to come into contact with them.

2.) Masturbation makes orgasms more difficult –

The myth claims that frequent masturbation causes a loss of sensitivity in your genitals. In reality, this isn’t true. Self-exploration actually enhances your sensitivity. It helps you learn what you enjoy, discover new ways to pleasure yourself, and improve the speed and intensity of your orgasms.

3.) Semen is low-carb –

FALSE. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news ya’ll but semen is not low-carb. It’s essentially fructose and enzymes…like fruity sugar.

4.) You cannot get an STD/STI from oral or anal –

WRONG, WRONG, WRONG. You absolutely CAN get transmittable diseases from oral and anal. In some cases, like Hep or HIV, you don’t even need to be having sex, sharing needles or blood-to-wound contact can transfer the disease. 

5.) Vaginal tightness depends on how much sex a woman has –

No, the vagina doesn’t stretch permanently from penetration. The vagina is a muscle, and like any muscle, it can expand and contract. During arousal, the vaginal walls loosen and soften, making penetration easier. However, fear or nervousness can cause the muscles to contract and tighten, which can make penetration more difficult. While penetration itself doesn’t change the muscle, factors like age and childbirth can have an effect on vaginal elasticity over time.

6.) Having sex in water will kill semen –

The idea is that hot or warm water will kill sperm before it reaches the egg. While it’s true that certain conditions, like overheating the testicles in a hot tub or exposure to chlorine in a pool, can harm sperm, they won’t eliminate all of them. Water alone does not guarantee sperm death. It’s important to remember that this is not a reliable method of birth control and should never be treated as one.

7.) You can’t get pregnant on your period –

This is one of the most common sex myths. While it’s less likely, you can still get pregnant while you’re on your period. Ovulation does carry the highest chance of pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean your period is safe. Ovulation timing varies for every woman, especially for those with short or irregular cycles. In fact, women with short or irregular periods have a higher chance of getting pregnant during their period. It’s crucial to understand your body and track your cycle.

*Fun fact: Both sperm and eggs can survive in the body for longer than you might think. Sperm can live for up to a week, and an egg can stay viable for several days after ovulation.

8.) While we’re talking about pregnancy myths, douching after sex will prevent pregnancy –

That’s not true. Douching is actually harmful to the vagina, as it is naturally self-cleaning. In addition to causing various health issues, douching doesn’t kill sperm or prevent pregnancy.

9.) You can’t get an STI/STD if your partner is a virgin –

This isn’t true. Virginity has a bunch of different meanings, someone who never had intercourse could still be having oral sex and STI/STDs are still being transferred.

10.) You can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex –

This is SO FALSE. As long as your sexual organs are operating how they’re supposed to, you absolutely can get pregnant the first time you have sex.  

In conclusion, there are many myths surrounding sexual health and pregnancy, but understanding the facts can help you make better-informed decisions. It’s essential to rely on accurate information and safe practices rather than common misconceptions. Always remember that your body is unique, and learning about it will help you navigate your sexual health more confidently. If you’re ever uncertain, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.