6 Sex Myths (and 6 Curious Fun Facts About Sex): Everything You Need to Know
There are plenty of myths and facts about sex, but how do you know what is to be believed? The truth is, even answering a question as simple as “what is sex?” (you know, the questions children often curiously ask as they start to learn about their bodies) can be given run-around answers. Educating yourself and, in turn, other people, can help control the spread of sex myths and divert focus to the truth.
Today, we’re delving into some popular myths, as well as sharing some fun facts about sex, to expand your sex education and eliminate uncertainties you may have.
Sex fact: Using lube makes sex more enjoyable
Personal lubricants aren’t just for folks with a dry vagina or who are hoping to have anal sex comfortably. Lube can make sex better for anyone, regardless of their genitalia, the orifice being penetrated, or the method of penetration.
Sex myth: You can get STIs — or get pregnant — from a toilet seat
Both viral and bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cannot survive outside the body’s mucous membranes, including on a toilet seat. Likewise, sperm cannot survive without a warm and moist environment; they will die and lose mobility, making travelling from the outside of a toilet seat into the fallopian tubes impossible.
So, while there is an extremely minimal risk to either of these things, it’s highly unlikely (and near impossible).
Sex fact: Many things can affect your libido
There isn’t a set reason why you have no sex drive, and there isn’t necessarily a single way to boost your libido and improve your sex life. In fact, even when it comes to couples, many have mismatched libidos.
Sex myth: Having sex with an STI guarantees transmission
STIs are quite common, and it does not have to stop you from engaging in future sexual activities. By learning how to have sex with an STI, you can understand the precautions to be taken and when to hold off during flare-ups.
Sex fact: You can orgasm in your sleep
Regardless of your genitalia, people can orgasm in their sleep! Sometimes it’s because they’re dreaming of something sensual (like receiving blowjobs or getting eaten out), sometimes it’s ‘just because.’
Sex myth: Every vagina bleeds when being penetrated for the first time
One of the biggest sex myths surrounds the hymen, the thing tissue at the opening of the vagina. In truth, the hymen can break from many other things, or someone might not be born with one at all.
Sex fact: How you take your birth control affects its efficacy
One of the most crucial sex education facts is understanding how birth control works. Incorrectly using, applying, or ingesting any form of birth control can result in pregnancy.
Sex myth: The bigger the penis, the better the sex
This is one of those popular myths that have wrongfully gained traction. However, despite common belief, it’s girth (as opposed to length) that folks with vaginas find more important in a penetrating penis.
Sex fact: Blue balls are a thing…sort of
The slang term for ‘epididymal hypertension,’ blue balls can certainly be uncomfortable, but it isn’t dangerous and does not need to be relieved by a partner. At most, testicles could take on a blueish tint due to an increase in blood volume.
Sex myth: Vaginas become loose with excessive sex
Vaginas are incredible, being able to dilate and expand when aroused or having to deliver a child. However, they return to their normal state and size post-sex and post-delivery.
Sex fact: Vagina owners orgasm longer and more frequently than penis owners
Vagina owners typically can orgasm back-to-back, whereas their penis-owning counterparts often have a refractory period that can last anywhere from a few minutes to over a day. In terms of the orgasm duration, vaginas average thirteen to fifty-one seconds, and penises average ten to thirty seconds.
Sex myth: Sex is painful
While the first couple of times might feel uncomfortable (when losing your virginity), painful sex isn’t the norm. However, if someone is experiencing pain during sex, it’s important to get to the source by seeking a solution and speaking to a medical professional.
By understanding these myths and facts about sex, you can feel more confident about your understanding of sexual health, your relationship with yourself and others, and your body. Even knowing some fun facts about sex can help remove fears and reservations that often come with not having all the correct information. Remember, it’s not about ‘differing opinions‘ that people may have about these popular myths. False information is just that: incorrect information.
What are some of the myths and facts about sex you heard about growing up? Is there a particular sex myth you believed to be true? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
