Sex myths have influenced our understanding of intimacy and sexual health for generations. However, many of these misconceptions do not hold up under scientific scrutiny. Whether it involves pregnancy risks, misconceptions about orgasms, or the impact of sex on athletic performance, these myths can lead to confusion and even anxiety in relationships. In 2024, it is time to dispel these myths and address the most prevalent ones with evidence-based facts. Let’s examine the five most common sex myths and debunk them.
The Hymen Myth: “Popping the Cherry” is a Misleading Concept
One of the most enduring myths about female sexual health is the belief that a woman’s hymen “pops” during her first sexual experience. This myth implies that an intact hymen is a sign of virginity, which is not only incorrect but also harmful to women’s understanding of their bodies.
What Is the Hymen, Really?
The hymen is a thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening. It varies in shape, size, and elasticity from woman to woman, and some women are born without one. Contrary to popular belief, the hymen doesn’t completely cover the vaginal opening. If it did, menstrual blood and vaginal discharge would be unable to leave the body. In rare cases, an imperforate hymen can occur, where the hymen fully covers the opening, requiring minor surgery to allow for menstruation.
Can the Hymen Tear During Physical Activity?
Yes, the hymen can stretch or tear not only during sexual activity but also during everyday activities such as sports, tampon use, or vigorous exercise. Women may or may not bleed during their first sexual encounter because the hymen is often elastic enough to stretch without tearing. Bleeding is also not a definite sign of virginity. Virginity is a personal and cultural concept that cannot be determined by a physical trait.
2. Can You Get Pregnant During Your Period? Yes, You Can!
This myth has been circulating for as long as we can remember: “You can’t get pregnant if you have sex during your period.” While it’s true that the likelihood is lower, it’s not impossible.
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle
To debunk this myth, we need to understand the menstrual cycle. A typical cycle lasts around 28 days, with ovulation (when a woman is most fertile) occurring approximately two weeks before the start of the next period. Sperm can survive in the female body for up to five days. Therefore, if you have a shorter cycle and ovulate shortly after your period, there is still a possibility of sperm being present to fertilize the egg.
The Risk Factor
Although it’s unlikely to get pregnant during menstruation, it’s not completely risk-free. If you’re not planning for pregnancy, it’s crucial to use contraception consistently, even during your period. This not only reduces the risk of pregnancy but also helps prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can occur at any time during your cycle.
3. Clitoral Stimulation: The Key to Female Orgasm
Another widespread myth is that all women should orgasm through vaginal penetration alone. This misconception has persisted due to the portrayal of sex in media and pornography, where the focus is often on penetration as the ultimate path to pleasure. But in reality, most women require clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm.
The Importance of the Clitoris
The clitoris has around 8,000 nerve endings, making it one of the most sensitive parts of the female body. For most women, clitoral stimulation is necessary to achieve orgasm. In fact, studies show that approximately 75% of women need external stimulation to climax, while only 25% can orgasm through penetration alone.
Communication is Key
Achieving orgasm is highly individual, and both partners need to communicate openly about what works best. Understanding that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to pleasure is crucial. This myth has led to frustration for many women and men, leaving both feeling inadequate or confused about their sexual experiences. By debunking this, we promote healthier, more fulfilling sexual relationships.
4. Masturbation: Not Only Healthy, But Also Beneficial
Masturbation is one of the most stigmatized aspects of sexual health. Whether it’s being warned that it causes blindness, infertility, or sexual dysfunction, these myths have left many feeling ashamed or guilty about this natural behavior. Let’s debunk these myths: none of them are true.
The Benefits of Masturbation
Masturbation is a healthy and natural way for both men and women to explore their bodies and better understand what they enjoy sexually. It has been shown to reduce stress, ease menstrual cramps, and help people sleep better. For women, it can also provide valuable insight into how they experience pleasure, helping them communicate their needs to their partners more effectively.
Does Frequent Masturbation Cause Problems?
Many men worry that frequent masturbation could lead to erectile dysfunction or affect sexual performance. However, it’s important to note that masturbation itself doesn’t directly cause these problems. The concern is that rushing through the experience may condition men to expect quick orgasms, potentially leading to shorter performance during sex with a partner. To address this, it’s recommended to take things slow and vary the experience to avoid establishing patterns that may interfere with longer, more intimate sessions with a partner.
5. Sex Won’t Sabotage Your Athletic Performance
Leading up to important competitions, many athletes have been advised to abstain from sex due to concerns that it could decrease their stamina and focus. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this belief, and in fact, engaging in sexual activity may even have positive effects in some cases.
The Science Behind Sex and Sports
Research indicates that engaging in sexual activity does not have a negative impact on athletic performance. In fact, it may help to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and promote relaxation before a major event. The belief that sex diminishes physical performance is more based on cultural assumptions than scientific evidence.
What About Psychological Effects?
The physical impact of sex on athletic performance is minimal. However, some athletes may feel more focused or less distracted if they abstain before a competition. It’s really a matter of personal preference. What works for one person may not work for another, and there’s no one right way to approach sex and sports.
The Consequences of Believing Sex Myths
Sex myths don’t just lead to misconceptions—they can also cause emotional and psychological distress. When people believe these myths, they might feel broken or inadequate if their experiences don’t align with the false narrative. This is particularly true when it comes to misconceptions about orgasm, masturbation, and sexual performance.
Mental Health and Sexual Confidence
Believing that your body should function in a certain way based on myths can lead to anxiety, insecurity, and even strain in relationships. For example, women who believe they should orgasm through penetration alone might worry that something is wrong if they require clitoral stimulation. Similarly, men who believe that masturbation is harmful might feel guilt or shame for engaging in a natural and healthy behavior.
Breaking the Cycle
By understanding the facts and dispelling myths, individuals can approach their sexual health with more confidence and less stress. Open conversations about sexual needs and experiences can foster healthier, more satisfying relationships and improve overall mental health. It’s time to break the cycle of misinformation and embrace the reality of sexual health.
The Importance of Comprehensive Sex Education
The persistence of these myths is largely due to the lack of comprehensive sexual education in many parts of the world. Sex education is often incomplete or based on fear and shame, rather than evidence-based information. This results in generations of people who don’t have a clear understanding of how their bodies work or how to approach sexual relationships in a healthy, informed way.
Closing the Education Gap
To debunk these myths, it is crucial to prioritize comprehensive, fact-based sex education. This entails not only instructing about the physical aspects of sex but also addressing pleasure, consent, and the emotional components of relationships. It also involves tackling taboos and ensuring that individuals of all ages and genders have access to precise information.
Empowering Yourself: Why Knowledge is Key
It is essential to debunk sex myths to empower individuals. Understanding your body and having accurate knowledge about sexual health will enable you to take control of your well-being and experiences. Just as informed consent is crucial in healthcare, the same principle applies to sexual health. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make decisions that are right for you.
Whether it involves using contraception correctly, understanding your body, or having open communication with your partner, knowledge is indeed power. By dispelling myths and embracing facts, you can build healthier relationships, both with yourself and with others.
Moving Forward: A New Era of Sexual Awareness
As society advances, our conversations about sex should progress as well. In 2024, there’s no excuse for continuing to believe outdated myths that have no basis in reality. It’s time to encourage open dialogue, promote comprehensive education, and support individuals in their journey toward a better understanding of their own sexual health.
By dispelling these myths, we can create a world where sexual health is no longer a source of confusion or shame but rather a vital part of overall well-being. Let’s embrace the facts, trust the science, and move toward a future where everyone feels confident in their bodies and their choices.
— Stay Strong! Jaelin —
Additional Reading
- 10 Stubborn Sex Myths That Just Won’t Die, Debunked – Lifehacker: https://lifehacker.com/10-stubborn-sex-myths-that-just-wont-die-debunked-by-1522576378
- 9 Sex Myths You Need to Stop Believing – Allure: https://www.allure.com/story/sex-educator-debunks-myths
- Sex talk: 5 myths you need to drop – Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320885
About the Author:
Jaelin Stickels, CNM, WHNP, is a deeply passionate and highly skilled Certified Nurse Midwife, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and the owner of Holistic Heritage Homebirth serving the greater Houston, Texas area. With over a decade of experience, Jaelin has had the privilege of helping several hundred women welcome their babies into the world. In addition to her advanced practice licensure training, she has additional advanced training in twin and breech births, making her one of only a few with these skills in her area. Jaelin approaches every birth with expertise, compassion, and a deep respect for the birthing process. Jaelin is finishing her doctorate and looking forward to being Dr. Jaelin in early 2025.
Jaelin’s journey into midwifery began with a profound love for supporting women through the incredible experience of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Since 2010, she has been dedicated to walking alongside families during these transformative moments, offering guidance, support, and care tailored to each individual’s unique needs. She is a big believer in informed consent and ensures clients are given the best evidence-based information to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
Married to her high school sweetheart Ted (aka Chef Ted) since 1984, Jaelin is the proud mother of three grown children and the delighted grandmother of one amazing granddaughter. When she’s not assisting in births, Jaelin finds joy in going to the movies with her husband, quilting, and cherishing time with her family. Known by the other midwives in her practice (Holistic Heritage Homebirth) affectionately as the “Birth Hog,” she brings an unmatched dedication and enthusiasm to her work—no one loves birth quite like she does.
Additional Reading
For those looking to explore more about sexual health and debunking common myths, check out these articles:
- Five Common Sexual Health Myths Debunked
This article from Boston University clears up some of the most widespread misconceptions about sexual health, such as STIs only being transmissible when symptoms are present and the myth that using two condoms offers extra protection. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to ensure they have accurate sexual health knowledge. (Boston University) - Six Sexual Health Myths Busted
MDLinx dives into six persistent myths surrounding sexual health, including misconceptions about sex drive differences between men and women, douching, and the effects of frequent sex. This article provides scientific backing to bust some of the most stubborn myths. (MDLinx) - Myths About Female Sexual Health Everyone Should Know
This article from Psychology Today tackles myths about sexual desire, sexual dysfunction, and aging, emphasizing that many common beliefs about women’s sexual health are untrue (Psychology Today).