Talking taboos: sex myths

In my experience sex is a tricky subject and there is no such thing as a worry free roll in the hay. It seem that these days every time you sleep with somebody, be it a one night stand or a long term partner there is always a question mark hanging over the event. Did he have a girlfriend? Was I any good? Did the condom burst? Have I taken my pill correctly? Will I remember her name in the morning?

For an activity that is supposed to be both fun and satisfying, having sex and the aftermath of sex causes plenty of stress for students. Lets be frank, the subject of staying safe sexually has become near impossible, with avoiding unwanted pregnancy, contagious STD’s or just getting a name for yourself. We all fall into the trap of believing certain rumours and rules that may not be completely factual.

Sex Myth 1: You cannot get pregnant during your period.

This myth has been completely disproved. Although your chances of conceiving are lower during menstruating there is no safe time of the month to have contraception free sex. Ovulation can happen before the end of a woman’s period or just after the period has finished. Although this rumour is well known to be a myth a lot of people still take the risk hoping that the chances are so slim it wont happen to them. Well go right ahead, if you are feeling lucky.

Sex myth 2: Using two condoms reduces the chances of getting pregnant

This a common mistake that seems like it would work. Surely if one condom is approximately 95% effective, doubling up can only help. This is very wrong. Wearing two condoms increases friction and it is more probable that the condoms will burst. Stick to the one, they are too expensive to be wasting anyway.

Sex myth 3: Condoms will protect me from all STDs

Although wearing a condom is essential during sex as it is the only form of contraception that will protect you from some STD’s, it will not protect you against them all. Virus such as herpes, genital warts and pubic lice are spread from skin to skin contact and so although a condom will reduce your chance of catching the virus it is by no means fool proof.

Sex myth 4: If you are only having oral sex you are safe from catching an STD

This is a complete myth. Having oral sex protects you from pregnancy but not from STDs. Gonnorrhea can be spread from oral sex as well as herpes, chlamydia and syphilis. There has even been cases of HIV being contracted through oral sex. My advice would be to use a condom for sex oral or otherwise. If he complains, let him please himself.

Sex Myth 5: You can catch an STD from public toilet seat

This is 95% myth. Most STD’s are only contracted by sexual contact. Virus’s such as Herpes die the minute they leave the human body so they cannot be spread. Public lice however can survive for up to 24 hours away from a body so although unlikely, it is possible to catch them from a toilet seat. My advice would be to always hover in public bathrooms, it’s just safer that way.

Sex Myth 6: The contraceptive pill can make you infertile

There is no known connection between women who take the pill and fertility problems. The pill is a reversible form of contraception and stops working as soon as you stop taking it. Many women conceive shortly after they come off the pill.

Myths such as these are invented to stop us having sex altogether or to condone unsafe sex. Either way never believe hearsay. If you are unsure of what is truth and what is fiction ask a doctor, do not rely on friends or peers. Basically it is better for you to have all the facts before you start, at least that way there is less to worry about.