Top 8 myths about sexual health
How well informed are you when it comes to STIs, birth control etc.? We bust some popular myths surrounding sexual wellbeing and safety.
You can’t get pregnant during your periods
Though uncommon, it is not impossible for a woman to get pregnant on sex during her periods. Sperm can stick around in the uterus for a few days (three to five) after sex and if she ovulates during this time, conception can take place.
You can use any lubricant along with a condom
Some of us are tempted to use anything we can lay hands on as lubrication. But remember that baby oils and Vaseline (Petroleum-jelly) can break down latex condoms and increase probability of STI transmission. So, make sure your lubricant has ‘water-soluble’ written on the pack.
Size is everything!
A man’s psychological sexual health and performance is often thought to be related to the size of his penis. A recent study has concluded that the average human penis is 13.12 cm long and 11.66 cm in circumference. Another study says penis size may be related to the man’s confidence but not much to his sexual performance. Also, most women orgasm by stimulation to clitoris rather than vagina. And deep-penetrating penises are not relevant to clitoral orgasms anyway.
Masturbation affects sperm count
Masturbation is a healthy way to release old sperm. It also teaches you what your body likes, bettering performance during sex. Men produce new sperm at a staggering rate. There is no research or study that makes direct correlation between masturbation and low sperm count.
STIs can spread by sharing toilet seats
In case of almost all STIs, direct contact of skin or genitals or other bodily fluids with infected people is required. Urine usually cannot carry STI, so toilet seats are safe on that count. Besides, most STI agents cannot survive outside the human body for a long time.
Oral sex cannot transmit STDs
This is a dangerous myth. Some sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted both ways – from mouth to genitals and from genitals to mouth. Be it oral sex, anal sex, vaginal sex, or even, kissing. Which STD spreads by which act varies from type to type.
Read more about STDs and how to prevent them.Sex during pregnancy harms the baby
Safety around having sex during pregnancy depends upon multiple factors. However, it is something you should discuss with your doctor. In most normal cases, the woman can continue having sex right until the water breaks or she enters labour, using normal precautions and bit of general caution.
Frequent or too little sex is bad
A study by Kinsey Institute showed that depending on your age you should have sex from one in three days up to once in six days. Meanwhile, most sex therapists agree that psychologically, whatever suits the need of yourself and your partner is normal. So, just as anywhere else, quality is more important than quantity. More or less are not in themselves.
Have you got any more sexual health myths and facts? Put them down as comments below or post them on Facebook. If you have any questions, visit our discussion forum.
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Recent Comments (14)
As a lady is it for me 2 be
As a lady is it for me 2 be use masturbation?
Hi,
Hi,
Check out this article to find out https://lovematters.co.ke/resource/women-masturbating .
Ni safe kuhave sex during…
Ni safe kuhave sex during periods? Can the blood affect someone.?
Hey Sebo, it is safe to have…
Hey Sebo, it is safe to have sex with your partner during her menstrual cycle if both of you are okay with this. There is a small chance that she could get pregnant but as it relates to whether it is healthy, there are no negative health effects for either partner. The blood will not have an effect on the male partner. Infact, sex can be a great way for your partner to relieve period pain. Check out the following article for more information;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/menstruation-myths-busted
love matters I have a…
love matters I have a question to ask. I have never have sex since I was born is it bad and am 27
Hey Victor, there is nothing…
Hey Victor, there is nothing wrong with this. The decision, including when to have sex, is a very personal decision decision one that you should only take if you feel you are ready. Abstaining from sex has no negative medical effects. Check out the following articles;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/making-love/virginity/first-time-sex-dos-and-donts
https://lovemattersafrica.com/birth-control/types-of-birth-control/abstinence-not-having-sex
Is it safe for a woman to…
Is it safe for a woman to use a man’s towel?
Hi, there is nothing wrong…
Hi, there is nothing wrong with sharing a towel with a man. However towels and clothes can pass some germs. For instance if one handles clothes that have blood they can be exposed to some germs which may even lead to an infection. Having said that, if there isn’t any risk then there should be no cause for alarm.
Hello LMNAIJA please is good…
Hello LMNAIJA please is good to masturbate regularly, as in everyday
Hello Kennedy, thank you for…
Hello Kennedy, thank you for reaching out to us. There is no medical proof that masturbation has an effect on your body. However, if you find yourself masturbating so much that it has an effect on your social life, or taking away hours from your work, then you might consider reducing the frequency.
This article has more information on the topic.
https://lovemattersafrica.com/making-love/ways-to-make-love/masturbation-myths-busted
If a woman can get pregnant…
If a woman can get pregnant during her period, then how long does it take for an egg to mature and ovulate ? cause am really confused here…
Hi Jessica, thank you for…
Hi Jessica, thank you for your question. The article says ” Though uncommon, it is not impossible for a woman to get pregnant on sex during her periods. Sperm can stick around in the uterus for a few days (three to five) after sex and if she ovulates during this time, conception can take place. “
The truth is, not all cycles are the same length. And so whereas technically speaking, the first seven days before and after your period, as well as the time of your period, are relatively not fertile. But, if you have a shorter cycle (shorter than 28 days), or an irregular one, this will vary.
What r the natural…
What r the natural ingredients that increases man’s performance?
Hi Wakeely, natural…
Hi Wakeely, natural ingredients you ask? Well, ask no more! Here are some that will take you and your partners experiences from euphoric to magnificent:
https://lovemattersafrica.com/making-love/which-aphrodisiacs-actually-work
https://lovemattersafrica.com/making-love/which-aphrodisiacs-actually-work
Sincerely,
Love Matters <3