Sexual health is surrounded by myths and misinformation that can lead to confusion and risky behaviours. Understanding the truth is essential for making informed decisions about your well-being. Always consult a medical professional before following any health advice or setting out a new health plan.
Myth: You Can’t Get Pregnant During Your Period
Truth: While the chances are lower, sperm can live inside the body for up to five days. If ovulation occurs shortly after menstruation, pregnancy is possible. Using protection at all times is the best way to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Myth: Only Promiscuous People Get STIs
Truth: Anyone who is sexually active can contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI), even in monogamous relationships. Many STIs are asymptomatic, so regular screenings are essential for everyone, regardless of their number of partners.
Myth: Pulling Out is an Effective Birth Control Method
Truth: The withdrawal method is highly unreliable because pre-ejaculatory fluid can contain sperm. Additionally, timing withdrawal perfectly is difficult, leading to a high failure rate. Using condoms or hormonal birth control provides much better protection.
Myth: If You Don’t Have Symptoms, You Don’t Have an STI
Truth: Many STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HPV, can remain symptom-free for months or even years. Regular testing is crucial, as untreated infections can lead to complications like infertility and chronic pain.
Myth: Birth Control Pills Protect Against STIs
Truth: Oral contraceptives prevent pregnancy but offer no protection against STIs. Only barrier methods, such as condoms and dental dams, reduce STI transmission risk. Using both forms of protection ensures comprehensive sexual health safety.
Myth: Erectile Dysfunction Only Affects Older Men
Truth: Young men can also experience erectile dysfunction due to stress, anxiety, poor lifestyle choices, or underlying health conditions. Psychological factors and excessive pornography consumption can also contribute to performance issues at any age.
Myth: Douching Cleans the Vagina and Prevents Infections
Truth: The vagina is self-cleaning, and douching disrupts the natural pH balance, increasing the risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Mild soap and water for external cleansing are all that’s needed.
Myth: You Can Tell If Someone Has an STI Just by Looking
Truth: Many STIs have no visible symptoms, and even those that do may not appear immediately. The only way to know for sure is through medical testing, making routine screenings essential for sexually active individuals.
Myth: HIV Can Be Contracted from Casual Contact
Truth: HIV is only transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. You cannot get HIV from touching, hugging, or sharing food with an infected person. Safe sex and proper medical precautions prevent transmission.
Myth: Masturbation is Harmful to Sexual Health
Truth: Masturbation is a normal and healthy part of sexual well-being. It does not cause infertility, erectile dysfunction, or physical harm. In fact, it can help relieve stress, improve sleep, and promote better sexual awareness.
Conclusion
Understanding the truth about sexual health helps individuals make safer choices and protect themselves and their partners. Regular screenings, proper protection, and informed decision-making are essential. Always consult a healthcare provider for any concerns.
