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#LetsTalkSex: Here’re Some Common Myths About Sex You Need to Know

Let’s bust some common myths about sex.

FIT
Fit
Updated:
Let’s clear some myths about sex.
i
Let’s clear some myths about sex.
(Photo: iStockphoto)

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What’s the thing you can’t talk about but certainly can do? Yes, we all know what came to your minds. So let’s also talk about it as well!

Sex.

And opinions about women’s bodies are ubiquitous, especially when it comes to sex. All of us have read something on the Internet or have heard something from “well-wishers” about sexual health that turned out to be untrue. And the fact that there are a lot of myths about sex doesn’t help either.

So we decided it’s time we set some facts straight. We bet you are guilty of believing some of these yourself.

Common Myths About Sex

Here’re some of the common myths about sex:

A Woman Can’t Get Pregnant on Her Period

Many women and their partners who don’t want to get pregnant use periods as a free pass to have unprotected sex.

Although the odds for pregnancy are lower during your period, there's still a risk. No two women’s cycles work the same way, so a sweeping generalisation can’t be made.

Sperm can live in a woman’s vagina for up to 3 days after ejaculation. Depending on the number of days of your cycle and how many days after your period you start ovulating, there is a possibility that the sperm is still there when your period ends and your eggs are released.

A Woman’s Vagina Gets ‘Loose’ From Regular Sex

The muscles in the vagina relax when aroused, and then return to normal afterwards.(Photo: iStockphoto)  

Everyone has something up their sleeve to say about vaginas. This is one of the most prevalent myths that has been accepted as fact. It is a complete misconception that once the vajayjay is stretched, it remains forever stretched.

You’re not “tight” as a virgin and “loose” with frequent intercourse. The muscles in the vagina relax when aroused, and then return to normal afterwards.

Sex does not cause the vagina to permanently stretch out. It’s an old wives’ tale, so get your head out of the dark ages!

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Masturbation is Bad For You

Masturbation it is considered healthy by many sexual health experts.(Photo: iStockphoto)

No, masturbation doesn’t equal to cheating on your partner and it is certainly not bad or unhealthy. In fact, it is considered healthy by many sexual health experts.

In an earlier conversation with FIT, Lucy Beresford, a UK-based writer and psychotherapist, who along with writing regularly, does a radio show on sexual health and relationships, said:

It’s perfectly alright to indulge in masturbation every day. It is a brilliant self-soother and a good way of relaxing stress.

You can watch the entire conversation here:

The ‘Pull-Out’ Method Works Against Pregnancy

Sorry to burst your bubble but you can still get pregnant if your partner pulls out before ejaculating. Even if your partner ejaculates outside you, there’s a chance that sperms can work their way up to your vagina through your skin. So, your partner will need a lot of control to be able to pull out at the right time.

And this method also doesn’t protect you from STDs ( sexually transmitted diseases) so always use protection.

And even the stats don’t look convincing. As per WebMD:

Most couples don’t do it perfectly. About 25% of such couples who use this method get pregnant.

All Orgasms Are Vaginal

Sorry guys but ever heard of ‘the clitoris’? Yes, most often, a woman’s sweet spot is the clitoris and not the vagina. So repeated penetration to get vaginal orgasm might not always help.

Experts say that there’s no ‘one-size-fit-all’ recipe when it comes to orgasms. Different women orgasm differently and often, for many clitoral stimulation is their stairway to heaven.

In fact, according to Essentials of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ‘of the women who reach climax during sex, 25 percent get orgasms through penetrative sex while a major 75 percent need extra clitoral stimulation.’

(Taking care of your sexual health is as important as any other type of health care. Whether it’s about sex, periods or pregnancy, if you have more doubts on sexual health, comment below with your queries or send them on SexEd@thequint.com. #LetsTalkSex)

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Published: 15 Apr 2019,07:06 PM IST

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