Sex is not just an act of physical intimacy, but a complex facet of human life that governs our thoughts, emotions, and relationships.

Unfortunately, with the advent of social and cultural stigma, there are many harmful beliefs about sex that limit our experience and lead to long term psychological damage. In this article, we will discuss 7 such harmful beliefs that can ruin your life.

1. The Belief That Women Should Not Enjoy Sex

This belief is one of the most damaging attitudes that exist towards sex. It produces an environment where men are praised for their sexual conquests, and women are stigmatized for the same behavior.

The assumption is that women’s bodies are made for procreation, and their pleasure is secondary. This belief can result in women experiencing physical and emotional pain during sex, as they feel guilty for enjoying it.

2. The Belief That Sex Should Be Perfect Every Time

This belief is often propagated by pornography and popular media, where sex is portrayed as a perfect and seamless experience. In reality, sex can be messy, awkward, and sometimes even painful.

The pursuit of perfection in sex can lead to performance anxiety and unrealistic expectations. This can make sex an unpleasant experience instead of a pleasurable one.

3. The Belief That Sex is Dirty and Shameful

This harmful belief stems from the stigma surrounding sex in many cultures. It can create feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety surrounding sexual experiences.

People who believe this may avoid sex completely, or engage in risky sexual practices out of shame or repression. This can lead to long-term psychological damage and even STDs.

4. The Belief That Men Should Always Be Ready for Sex

This belief is a form of toxic masculinity that places enormous pressure on men to perform sexually all the time. Men are expected to always be ready for sex and to initiate it constantly.

This can lead to anxiety and pressure to perform, especially if the body is not cooperating. This can lead to a feeling of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and even depression.

5. The Belief That Sexual Fantasies are Abnormal

This belief stems from the idea that sex should be a “normal” and uneventful experience. It often results in shame surrounding sexual fantasies, which can lead to a lack of sexual fulfillment and even lead to repressed desires.

Sexual fantasies are a healthy part of sexual pleasure, and repression can lead to a lack of intimacy and even dysfunction.

6. The Belief That Sex is Only for Reproduction

Many cultures still hold these beliefs, particularly those that are deeply rooted in conservative or religious traditions.

The belief associated with this is that sex should be limited to only within the confines of marriage and chastity should be upheld. This can result in abstaining from sex altogether or engaging in it in an unsafe manner. It can lead to a lack of intimacy and even the breakdown of relationships.

7. The Belief That Men Should Not Cry or Show Emotions During Sex

Men are often expected to be emotionless and stoic during sex, and any sign of vulnerability is seen as a weakness.

This belief can result in a profound lack of intimacy and emotional connection with their partner, ultimately leading to relationship failure. It’s okay to cry and show emotions during sexual intimacy; In fact, it can lead to more profound feelings of connection and bonding.

Conclusion

Sex should be an enjoyable and healthy part of our lives, and harmful beliefs about sex can lead to long-term psychological damage. We must learn to embrace sexuality in a healthy and positive manner to attain a fulfilling sexual experience.