Dr. Laura Berman

Guide to Sexual Health

Sex Myths and Truths

When it comes to sex, there are plenty of misleading myths out there. No one knows how or where all these urban legends begin, but once they do, they are very hard to stamp out! Why? Because many people (especially younger children and teens) don’t feel comfortable talking about sex, so rather than seeking out the real information or asking their doctor, they rely on hearsay and recess talk. Some of us still believe the myths we learned back in grade school, and it might be hurting your sex life more than you think!

Here are the most common sex myths, debunked:

“Nice girls” don’t enjoy sex.

False! In fact, women are the only creatures on the planet with an organ meant solely for sexual pleasure (the clitoris). Yes, women are built to enjoy sex…and lots of it! The idea that women shouldn’t enjoy sex, or that “nice girls” only submit to sex to keep their husbands happy is just ridiculous. So, women, go ahead and embrace your sexual side. It’s a big part of who we are as human beings.

You can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex.

False! You can get pregnant any time you have sex, whether it's the first, second, third, or thousandth time!

You can’t get pregnant on your period.

False! It is rare for a woman to get pregnant while on her period, as her fertility is low during this time, but it can still happen. It’s a big, big risk to take if you don’t want to get pregnant.

All women reach orgasm through sex.

False! Only 30 percent of women do. The rest need some extra stimulation and foreplay, either manually or orally.

The best sex lasts all night.

False! A recent study found that most people believe that 7 to 13 minutes is the ideal length of intercourse. Hey, even sex gets old after a while! 

Men who suffer from premature ejaculation are few and far in between, and it is a real cause for concern.

False! PE is the most commonly reported sexual dysfunction for men, and it is nothing to be embarrassed about or unduly concerned over. With a little practice, most men can train themselves to last longer, and some find medication to be helpful as well.

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