Sexual health is an important aspect of overall health and well-being.

Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding safe sex practices that can put individuals at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. In this article, we will debunk some of the most common sexual health myths and provide the truth about safe sex.

Myth #1: You Can’t Get Pregnant While On Your Period

This is a common myth that leads many people to believe that unprotected sex during menstruation is safe. However, it is possible to get pregnant during your period.

The likelihood of pregnancy depends on when ovulation occurs, which can vary from person to person. It is best to use protection during all sexual activities to prevent unintended pregnancies.

Myth #2: You Can’t Get STIs From Oral Sex

While the risk of contracting an STI through oral sex is lower than through vaginal or anal sex, it is still possible. STIs such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis can be transmitted through oral sex.

Using a dental dam or condom during oral sex can help reduce the risk of transmission.

Myth #3: Condoms Aren’t Necessary if You’re On Birth Control

Birth control methods such as the pill, patch, and IUD only prevent pregnancy and do not protect against STIs. Condoms provide a dual protection against both unintended pregnancies and STIs.

It is important to use condoms in addition to other birth control methods to prevent STI transmission.

Myth #4: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Douche After Sex

Douching after sex does not prevent pregnancy. In fact, douching can increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and other vaginal infections. It is best to use protection during all sexual activities to prevent unintended pregnancies.

Myth #5: You Can’t Get STIs From Kissing

Kissing alone does not transmit STIs. However, STIs such as herpes and syphilis can be spread through open sores or lesions on the lips or mouth. It is best to avoid kissing if either partner has visible cold sores or lesions.

Myth #6: You Can’t Get Pregnant the First Time You Have Sex

It is possible to get pregnant the first time you have sex. The risk of pregnancy is the same as any other time you have sex. It is important to use protection during all sexual activities to prevent unintended pregnancies.

Myth #7: You Can’t Get STIs From Anal Sex

Anal sex carries a high risk of transmitting STIs such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Using a condom and water-based lubricant during anal sex can help reduce the risk of transmission.

Myth #8: You Can’t Get Pregnant If You Have Sex Standing Up

The position in which you have sex does not affect your chances of getting pregnant. It is important to use protection during all sexual activities to prevent unintended pregnancies.

Myth #9: You Can’t Get STIs From Sex Toys

Sex toys can transmit STIs such as herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. It is important to clean sex toys thoroughly before and after each use and to use a new condom or dental dam for each partner to prevent STI transmission.

Myth #10: Only Promiscuous People Get STIs

STIs can affect anyone who is sexually active. It is important to practice safe sex and get tested for STIs regularly, regardless of the number of sexual partners you have had in the past.

Conclusion

Sexual health is an important aspect of overall health and well-being. It is important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to safe sex practices.

By using protection, getting tested regularly, and debunking sexual health myths, you can reduce your risk of STIs and unintended pregnancies.