Sexual health is a taboo topic that’s rarely discussed openly, which has made it the subject of many persistent myths. Unfortunately, these myths can cause real world harm. Sexual health misinformation can end up hurting your physical and mental health. However, gaining awareness of the facts versus the fiction of sexual health can empower you to make informed choices that improve your overall wellness. 

Let’s demystify 9 common myths about sexual health. 

Myth #1: Wearing Two Condoms is More Protective 

Two is not always better than one. Wearing two condoms is actually less protective than wearing a single condom. Why? Because doubling up increases the risk of friction tears. For the best protection, stick to wearing one condom at a time. 

Myth #2: Oral Sex Can’t Transmit STIs 

While many people believe you can’t get an STI from oral sex, that’s simply not true. You can get an STI from giving or receiving oral sex. 

Myth #3: Masturbation Is Unhealthy 

Some people worry that masturbating regularly–or even at all–can be harmful to their health. However, research shows that masturbation has no harmful physical or emotional effects. Scientific studies show that masturbation can actually have health benefits, including reducing stress and improving perceived quality of life. 

Myth #4: You Can’t Get Pregnant During Menstruation 

It’s less likely for someone to get pregnant while menstruating, but it’s certainly not impossible. Sperm can live in the vagina for up to five days, which can be long enough for the fertility window to start. 

Myth #5: The “Pull Out” Method Works 

When it’s done perfectly, this method can reduce the risk of pregnancy by around 78%. However, it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of unplanned pregnancy. It’s also challenging to execute perfectly in the heat of the moment, which further reduces its effectiveness, and it offers no protection from STIs. 

Myth #6: You Can Tell When Someone Has an STI 

Many STIs can cause little to no symptoms, so you can’t always tell whether you or someone else has an STI. Asymptomatic STIs can be transmitted, so many people unknowingly give their sexual partners an STI. That’s why it’s important for sexually active people to get tested regularly. 

Myth #7: You Need to Douche to Keep a Vagina Clean 

The body naturally cleans the vagina, so there’s no need to douche to clean one. In fact, douching can actually cause irritation and disrupt the balance of the vagina, which increases the risk of infection. Because of this, doctors generally recommend that you do not douche. 

If you’re experiencing odor or irritation, that’s a sign that something may be wrong. It’s best to see a doctor rather than attempt to solve an issue by douching, which can make issues worse. 

Myth #8: Only Women Have Fertility Issues 

Many people believe that only women can have fertility issues, or that women are much more likely to have fertility issues than men. However, both men and women can experience fertility challenges. 

Factors that can affect the likelihood of conception include hormonal balances, chronic illnesses, genetic disorders, heart disease, and various lifestyle factors. Notably, stress is a risk factor that can strongly affect both men and women. Stress can influence sperm production in men and affect hormonal balances in women. Couples who are experiencing fertility challenges are often encouraged to take a holistic approach to stress management while on their fertility journey. 

Myth #9: Erectile Dysfunction is Just a Psychological Issue 

Erectile dysfunction can be the result of psychological factors or physical health issues. Sexual performance is a complicated process that involves hormones, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, and your brain. A problem with any of these can lead to sexual issues. 

Final Thoughts 

Learning the facts about sexual health can improve your physical and emotional health, and therefore your overall wellness. If you’re ever unsure about a sexual health issue, look for an answer from a reputable source or ask a medical provider.