Sexual Myths and Facts

Ever heard some questionable ideas and sayings about sex and sexual health that made you go “huh?!” Read this article to debunk these 8 common sexual health myths.

1. Myth: Your first time will be amazing

Fact: Sometimes, the movies make the “first time” out to be something super simple and oh-so-perfect. However, the reality is often a little more disappointing. Most times, your first time having sex might be a little weird. Depending on who you’re with, it might even be a little awkward.

You also likely won’t have the earth-shattering orgasm you may see in books or movies. Quite the contrary - in fact, it might be over much faster than you anticipated. Experts say the best tip to make the most of your first time is to relax, employ lubrication, and do it with someone that you trust.

2. Myth: Your first time will be bad 

Fact: Just like there’s a “perfect first time” myth, there’s also a scary one. Many people, especially older people, might try to make you feel a little scared about your first time. As long as you do it with someone you trust and you do it right with patience, it likely won’t be as bad as they say. Stay relaxed, aroused, and lubricated, and ensure that you take it slow.

3. Myth: You Can Get A UTI From A Toilet Seat

 Fact: It’s common to hear people say that they caught an infection from a toilet. As simple as that may seem, it’s very unlikely to get a UTI from a toilet seat. First, the urethra, which is the pee hole, does not come in contact with the toilet. Disease-causing microbes can only survive on a toilet seat for a short time and can only be harmful when they come in contact with open orifices or wounds.

However, you could get a UTI by introducing bacteria from your butt to the urethra by wiping back to front. Ew. Always wipe front to back.

Sexual activity, using unsanitary sex toys, and poor menstrual and underwear hygiene are also common causes of UTIs.

4. Myth: Every Woman Has A “G-Spot”

Fact: Pop culture has successfully convinced us that every woman has an all-powerful erogenous G spot that determines whether she’ll orgasm. While it’s technically true that women have a G spot, not every woman’s g spot is an active erogenous zone.

The G spot (Grafenberg spot) is a small rubbery spongy area located a few inches into the upper wall of the vagina. For some people, it’s highly sensitive and can lead to intense sexual arousal. For others, it’s not that big of a deal. It’s your quest to find out if you or your partner has a G spot and proceed accordingly so you don’t waste your time.

 5. Myth: Sex Isn’t Awkward

Fact: Again, the movie industry takes the blame. We know how it is in the movies - they “do the deed” looking perfect and wake up the next morning still looking perfect. Real-life sex is not like that. It can be a little awkward with funny sounds, body fluids everywhere, and weird faces.

6. Myth: Saying “Yes” Once To Sex Means Consent Forever

Fact: Some people seem to think that consent is a one-time all-access pass. That is absolutely incorrect. Consent is a personal decision to be freely given by all parties involved. Every sexual encounter requires consent and even then, it’s still reversible. No means no and yes is specific - not coerced or made in situations where your mind is altered - drugs, alcohol. Don’t forget, friends - Consent is sexy.

7. Myth: Sex When You’re Pregnant Induces Labour

Unless the conditions for labour are just right, sex and having orgasms will not induce labor in normal, complication-free pregnancies. Sex at any stage of pregnancy is still safe as long as you’re doing things right.

 8. Myth: Sex Affects Your Walking Posture

Ever heard someone say you can tell if someone has ever had sex by the way they walk? Well, I don’t know where this myth comes from, but it needs to go back in the box and never see the light of day again. Why? Because it’s stupid. A person’s walk does not change after they’ve had sex once, twice, or a million times… as long as they’ve not done anything ridiculously out of the ordinary.

So, there you have it. 8 sexual myths and facts for you to know. Next time you hear someone say any of these, be sure to correct them and educate them.

Writer: Idera Moses-Oke

Idera is a 4th-year medical student who enjoys talking and teaching about reproductive and sexual health. She’s a devoted cat and dog lover, an avid menstrual cup educator, and an unrepentant lover of all types of spaghetti. In her spare time (i.e. when she’s ignoring the billions of things she has to do), you may find her reading the most questionable romance novels. 

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