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Sexual Myths Far too many teens and adults do not know enough facts about sex and sexual interactions. Because there is a lack of available information, sexuality has come to be surrounded by many myths: some are blatantly false, while others are only partially true. Everyone must make sexual decisions during their lives. Decisions that are based upon fictitious information can lead to disastrous consequences including disease, unintended pregnancy, unnecessary suffering, and/or death. These words are not intended to frighten you, because human sexuality is a beautiful thing, as long as we have accurate knowledge and act in responsible, caring, and sensible ways. Sexual knowledge can lead to happy, healthy lives, both sexually and otherwise. Here is a list of common myths, which you may or may not know, followed by accurate information that you should know. Myth: All teenagers are having sexual intercourse these days. Fact: Although many teenagers are having sexual intercourse, a large proportion of the teenage population is not. Myth: A girl cannot get pregnant the first time she has sexual intercourse. Fact: If a girl has begun puberty and/or had her first period she can get pregnant and should use proper protection all the time. If a woman begins to ovulate (when the egg leaves the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube) she is considered fertile and she may or may not have had her first period at the time. The female human body was designed to bear children. Myth: A female cannot get pregnant if she is breast-feeding. Fact: Even though a nursing mother may not be having her period, she can still become pregnant. Myth: Withdrawing the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation ("cumming") is an effective contraceptive technique as long as the ejaculate does not come near the vagina (This technique is called coitus interuptus or 'withdrawal'). Fact: Withdrawal is a very ineffective method of birth control and most men secrete a fluid from their Cowper’s Gland (called 'pre cum'), which may contain thousands of active sperm, which can cause pregnancy. This fluid can also contain the HIV virus if the man is infected, thus with his 'pre cum' he can spread AIDS to his partner. Even if a male believes he does not have 'pre cum,' he may be wrong. He may secrete a tiny amount, but even this can cause a pregnancy or transmit AIDS. Myth: Having sexual intercourse while in the standing position, and then jumping up and down, or peeing to ‘deter’ the sperm from ‘doing their job’ will prevent pregnancy. Fact: None of these ‘methods’ will prevent pregnancy. Sperm can survive for several days inside a female’s body and they are genetically programmed to find their way to the egg. Myth: If females and males perform oral sex (oral-genital) on each other, it is a sign of homosexual behavior. Fact: Oral-genital contact is the fastest growing sexual act among male-female couples in the US. It is a great alternative to penile-vaginal sex, but does not mean that two people have homosexual tendencies. Myth: I know someone who got pregnant while her partner was using a condom, so there is no reason to use one. Fact: Condoms are a highly effective method of birth control, and protection from STD’s, but they are not perfect, especially if people have not read the instructions or seen a demo about optimal use. Remember, condoms are the most accessible and effective method of protection if used regularly and properly, especially with spermicides such as nonoxynol-9. How to put on a condom. Myth: Masturbation is bad for you; it can cause many harmful physical, and psychological disorders, like depression, warts, pimples, and insanity. Fact: Masturbation is a normal and healthy part of human life and is not physically harmful. For information on teens and masturbation click here. For other names for masturbation click here. Myth: There is really something wrong with a guy who has not had sex by 18 years old. Fact: There is no magical age by which anyone needs to have sex. There is nothing wrong with being a virgin. You have a right to wait until you are in a relationship or marriage where you can feel good about having sex. There are many people who do not have sex before the age 18. Myth: Men are always ready, willing and wanting sex. Fact: Many men do not want sex all the time. Men aren’t Super Sexual Beings. Men may not be ready for sex because of age, religious beliefs, or they have not found the ‘right’ partner. Even if a man is sexually active, it does not mean that he is ready and willing to go at any time. Didn't find what you were looking for? |
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