Top five sex myths debunked by an expert
Quite some years may have passed since we learnt about the birds and the bees, but it seems many Brits are still struggling to know where to turn when it comes to information about sex and sexual health.
While almost one in three Brits don't seek advice on the subject in any way, over a quarter (28.3%) are turning to social media as a source for sexual health guidance.
A fifth are getting their insight from Google, 18.5% are asking friends and a concerning one in seven (6.8%) are using porn as their sexual health oracle.
It's little wonder, therefore, that there are some myths the nation is still confused about when it comes to sex.
In the hope of helping us get up to speed on sexual health, Lovehoney ran a survey, revealing the most prevalent sex myths in the UK.
Judging by the research, it’s clear there's no shortage of sexual misinformation circulating, but not seeking information from a trusted source could be risky, leaving many unprepared and vulnerable to believing in myths and falsehoods about our bodies and pleasure well into our adult lives.
"Sex myths can be harmful because of the misinformation and stigma around them," explains Ness Cooper, clinical sexologist from The Sex Consultant.
"When sex myths are believed, they can prevent individuals from understanding their sexual wants and needs as well as prevent them from seeking help and advice when needed. This can lead to unfulfilling sexual encounters and increase risks of unsafe sexual practices where STIs can be spread easily."
Here, Cooper debunks the top five most commonly believed sex myths in the UK.
The Top 5 sex myths believed by Brits:
1. 'Erectile dysfunction is a normal part of growing older and men have to learn to live with it.'
Believed by a third (34%) of Brits
While almost 70% of men/those with penises will experience erectile dysfunction by the time they are 70, Cooper says we shouldn’t classify it as normal, as there are many reasons it can affect an individual and these can vary from person to person.
"Anyone experiencing erectile issues should see a medical professional to find out the cause," she explains.
"Once the cause of erectile dysfunction is found whether that is psychological, physical, or a mixture of both, there are many treatment methods to help manage symptoms."
Never assume a sexual problem is inevitable – talk to your GP and allow them to help you find a solution.
2. Sex shouldn't be painful for women if they are attracted to their partner
Believed by over one in four (27%) Brits
Being attracted to your partner doesn’t stop sex from being painful if you’re experiencing pain during penetration.
"If you are attracted to your partner it can mean you become aroused easier when thinking or being with them, and this can lead to producing more vaginal lubrication naturally, but it may not solve intercourse related pain," explains Cooper.
"There are many reasons someone may experience pain during penetration but whether or not you’re attracted to someone isn’t one of them."
Menopause, illness, tiredness and physical and mental health can all play a part. See your GP if you're suffering from pain during sex to explore potential causes.
3. You can tell when you have a STI
Believed by one in five (21%) Brits
Sometimes STIs can go unnoticed due to the incubation time before they really become active in the body.
"Even when an STI is active and showing up on test results, there aren't always symptoms," explains Cooper.
"This is why it’s important to get tested regularly as we can’t always tell if we have contracted one."
Many STIs, such as chlamydia, have no visible symptoms, particularly in the early stages, so it is important to never assume that a new partner is free of STIs just because you can't seen any signs.
4. You can get an STI from a toilet seat
Believed by almost one in five (18%) Brits
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) don’t spread on toilet seats, and ones that spread through contact of bodily fluids don’t survive outside of the body long enough to be transmittable through sitting on them on a toilet seat.
"The fear of STIs being transmitted via toilet seats has been going around for far too long," adds Cooper.
STI are transmitted through skin contact or penetration with an infected person.
5. Pulling out is an effective method of contraception
Believed by 15% of Brits
Whilst precum often only contains trace amounts of active sperm there is a possibility someone could get pregnant from penetration that has pre-ejaculation.
"This means that the pull-out method isn’t always reliable," explains Cooper.
There are many babies who offer proof the withdrawal method isn't reliable, so always use contraception if you don't want a pregnancy.
The NHS has a useful guide on the methods of contraception available, together with where to get them and how to decide which method might work best for you.
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