You are probably reading this article because you have just had sex for the first time or are about to do the deed soon. Ever since puberty, we have been misguided and fed with inaccurate information about sex that has only worked against us. Those who are sexually active, sadly, had to debunk these unusual myths in practice.
To save you from those awkward (and avoidable) moments, we are going to talk about weird myths about sex and the facts behind them. Brace yourselves!
10 Weird myths and facts about sex
1. Real-life sex is like pornography
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If you haven’t had sex yet, gear up for the biggest surprise. Real-life sex, especially the first time, is awkward, messy and a tad bit painful (physical or emotional). You need to keep in mind that in pornography everything is properly choreographed and planned.
Sex in real life is influenced by several factors. It depends on who you are doing it with, the environment, the amount of your bundled nerves, etc. So don’t expect sex to be a romantic and sensuous movie in which every action and reaction is perfect.
It is important to manage your anticipation so that you are not nervous during the act. The more you are comfortable with your partner, the better the sex will be.
2. Pulling out is the loophole to enjoy sex without protection
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If you think that pulling out is the safest contraceptive method that will protect you against unwanted pregnancies, you are walking on thin ice (and that ice can crack at any time). Pulling out is a fool’s game in which the winners are just lucky.
For those who don’t know, pulling out is a method in which you have unprotected sex and the man pulls himself out right before he ejaculates. This method does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections and diseases.
It is a grave myth that you can get pregnant only after the man ejaculates inside you. Most of us don’t know that it is possible to get pregnant from the precum that comes out during the act. Don’t fall for the loopholes and use protection at all times you have sex.
3. Women always need to pop an emergency contraceptive pill the next morning after they have had sex
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Untrue, again. Emergency contraceptive pillsare meant only for emergencies. These pills are consumed within 72 hours to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. For example, if your condom broke or you did not use protection at all.
It is important to keep in mind that popping emergency contraceptive pills should not become a habit. They are heavy hormonal doses that can have several negative effects on your body. Also, they do not shield you from STDs or STIs. It is always recommended to practise safe sex by always using a condom.
4. You can’t get pregnant if you have sex on your period
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If you think this is a reliable way to avoid an unplanned pregnancy, you are irresponsible. While it is highly unlikely to get pregnant on your periods, we must not forget that pregnancy largely depends on how long the sperm lives in the woman’s body and when she ovulates.
In most women, who have a 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs between the 10th and 15th day of their cycles. However, women who have a shorter menstrual cycle may ovulate early. And do not forget that the sperm can survive in the body for at least five days so it can actually live in your body long enough to fertilise an egg and result in a pregnancy. Always use a barrier like a condom to prevent an unintended pregnancy.
5. All women orgasm every time during vaginal sex
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It is not impossible but it is also not a certainty.
Many studies have reported that 75% of women do not experience orgasm during vaginal intercourse. According to research in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 37% of women corroborated that they needed some other form of stimulation for pleasure and for ultimately achieving an organism.
If not through vaginal intercourse, one can rely on clitoral stimulation for helping the woman reach an orgasm.
6. Hymen is the Holy Grail to ascertain a woman’s virginity
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First of all, it’s 2024 and it’s about time that we do away with the term ‘virginity’. It is better to use the term ‘first time’ to talk about your first experience of having sex.
If you look at ancient history, a woman’s hymen was attached with a lot of (hope) and significance when it came to determining her virginity. We even went so far as to use a white bedsheet on the wedding night to check if she ‘bleeds’ after her first time.
Yes, a woman may bleed after the first time she has sex but it is not a reliable indicator. Not that we need indicators to judge a woman’s ‘virginity’, but it is important to clarify that some women are born without a hymen. Some may not even bleed after the first time they have sex. Those who are grossly ignorant, know that the hymen can also break due to other acts like strenuous physical activities.
7. Gravity can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg
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Gravity is a powerful force but its powers fail when it comes to something as motile and swift as sperm. Yes, it’s a myth that if you have sex standing up, you will not get pregnant as gravity will prevent the sperm from reaching the egg.
The truth is when ejaculation occurs, millions of sperms are thrust into the vagina and no amount of standing up or douching or cleaning or urinating will prevent the sperm from reaching the egg and fertilising it. So, always believe that if you have had unprotected sex, chances are you will get pregnant.
8. Oral sex is safe
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Oral sex is not a work-around to dodge STDs or STIs. In oral sex, bodily fluids are exchanged, which make you prone to STDs or STIs. It is important to practise safe sex even when it comes to oral sex because you are still exposed to plenty of risks.
9. Condoms are 100% effective
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Condoms do protect you against STDs or STIs, but they are certainly not 100% effective. Condoms protect you against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases only when they are used properly. It is important to use a good quality condom that will not break at any intensity of intercourse.
10. Drinking alcohol can calm your nerves before having sex
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Whoever came up with this idea must be an alcoholic because there are no upsides to having sex when you’re drunk or high. On the contrary, having alcohol before sex can numb your decision making skills, preventing you from making smart decisions.
It will also make the sex less pleasurable as you won’t be able to utilise all your senses optimally. Take our advice and go easy on the drinks before you and your partner are about to do it.
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