Exposing the sex myths you thought were true…

You might remember getting told a lot of silly stuff about sex when you were a kid, like if you kiss a guy you will get pregnant.

Then you grow up too afraid to even look at the opposite sex, let alone touch them or fuelled with misinformation, end up making some pretty dreadful sexual decisions.

All these untruths make it hard to know what points are purely ludicrous and which ones are actually hard-facts.

Well we’re here to expose some of those myths:
Myth one: sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are only transmitted through penetration
The truth is you can contract an STI through other sexual activities, not just through penetration. Oral sex and anal sex also put you at risk of getting an STI or HIV, due to the passing of fluids and possible blood exchange. They also both involve skin-to-skin contact. Use of a condom with extra lubricant during anal sex and a dental dam during oral sex will reduce that risk.

Myth two: It is safer to use two condoms at once
It’s understandable why some might think this is true, but this is most definitely false. The friction between two rubbers could cause them to break or tear and therefore defeat their purpose. Remember, one condom for one round.

Myth three: You can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex
You definitely can get pregnant the first time you have sex. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve had sex plenty of times. If you’ve

started menstruating then there is always a chance of sperm coming in contact (or chilling in your uterus waiting to) with an egg anytime you have sex. If you do not use any form of contraception, then the risk of pregnancy during unprotected sex is always there. It is better to stay protected, all the time.

Myth four: Having a bath or shower after sex prevents STIs
It would be great if this was true, but it’s not. Many STIs cannot be cleaned off by water, because they are often transferred between fluids from within the body. The only way to prevent STIs is by using a condom or another barrier method.

Myth five: Pulling out protects against STIs and pregnancy
The pull-out, or withdrawal, method is one of the least effective ways of preventing STIs and pregnancy. Before a man ejaculates, there is some liquid called pre-cum that is released, which doesn’t contain sperm, but can, on its way out, bring up stray sperm from previous ejaculations, and can contain viruses like HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Not to forget, this method requires a huge amount of self-control and trust.

Myth six: Everyone at my school is having sex
Not everyone starts having sex at the same time. Some people may feel more ready to have sex at an earlier stage than others. Do not feel pressured. There is nothing worse than doing something because you feel forced to. Remember, having sex at an early age does not make you mature. Besides, waiting will give you time to plan a romantic first time!

Myth seven: You can tell by looking at someone if they have an STI
Many STIs only physically manifest over a period of months or even years, so someone can carry the virus but not even know! HIV, for example, only becomes visible once it has developed into AIDs. It is best to always use protection, because you will never know just by looking at someone!

Do you know any other sex myths? Why don’t you let us know in the comment box.