Forget What You’ve Been Told
Education has thankfully come a long way. We no longer buy into harmful stereotypes or trust what our buddies tell us, we get the facts to ensure a pleasurable, consensual time. That said, perplexing myths still exist and we’re here to nip them in the bud once and for all.
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1. Some Foods Are Aphrodisiacs
Chocolate-covered oysters, anyone? (We hope you said no to that.) For years, many believed certain foods would kick their motors into high gear—but no real evidence supports those theories. No one’s stopping you from bringing food into the boudoir, but don’t expect it to do much else than make a mess.
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2. The Deed Burns Calories
While it’s true that intercourse burns calories, it doesn’t shave off as many as we’d like. Adult time isn’t an adequate substitute for legitimate exercise. In general, you’d be lucky to shave off 100 calories during the deed.
3. Guys Need to Be Large
Shoutout to the adult industry for perpetuating this harmful myth. Men don’t need to pack 12-inch heat for an enjoyable time. In fact, large members can actually harm partners, often resulting in a far worse time!
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4. Pulling Out Stops Pregnancy
We’d like to think this popular myth lost steam in high school. Pulling out can be effective, but that doesn’t make it foolproof. About 80% of partners remained child-free, but 20% is still a nerve-wracking dice roll and it makes more sense to lean on true contraception.
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5. Condoms Make it Less Pleasurable
Speaking of which, rubbers don’t make intercourse less pleasurable. With so many on the market nowadays—plenty of which boast close feels—you’re bound to find one you like. Even if the sensation doesn’t perfectly match, it’s better than a pregnancy scare.
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6. You Can’t Get Pregnant on Your Period
The good news is that you likely won’t get pregnant on your period. The bad news is that it’s still a possibility. Plenty tempt fate every time Aunt Flow rolls around, but others like to play it safe by opting for contraception anyway.
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7. Alone Time Stops
Healthy relationships don’t impede time alone in the bedroom. Taking yourself on a magic carpet ride is completely normal, even with an active sex life. It only becomes an issue if it interferes with your relationship.
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8. Men Always Want It
Maybe it’s the adult industry. Maybe it’s just stereotypes. Whatever the reason, this myth needs a 12-foot burial. No one has a 24/7 libido, including men, and anyone is well within their rights to turn down a night of fun.
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9. One “Yes” Means “Yes” Forever
We hope this is obvious, but it warrants a reminder—people are allowed to say no. It doesn’t matter if they’ve said yes in the past. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the middle of the deed. If someone says no or asks you to stop, you stop.
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10. You Can’t Have Hair
Newsflash: we all have hair! It would appear that sometime after the ‘70s, it became less natural and more of a confusing turn-off. Well, we’re here to say you should groom however you like. So long as you keep up with hygiene, hair length shouldn’t impede a good time.
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11. Adult Films Harm Relationships
Adult entertainment is pleasurable for all parties, so long as you indulge properly. Films or books are good ways to learn new moves, experiment, and discover new desires. They’re not a means to shame your partner or make demands they’re uncomfortable with.
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12. You Can Eyeball STIs
Harmful stereotypes taught a lot of incorrect information or made STIs the butt of the joke. Thanks to these beliefs, people often think they can eyeball an STI on any partner—but you probably can’t. Testing is the only definitive way to learn about them.
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13. Women Get “Loose”
We have no idea where this myth came from and we’d like it to stop. First of all, a woman’s count does not affect her physical appearance. Secondly, there’s no evidence supporting this belief. Childbirth can sometimes impact elasticity, but things usually go back to normal after several months.
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14. Penetration is a Guaranteed O
We hate to break it to you, fellas, but penetration isn’t the only way to home plate. Most partners require a little something beforehand and plenty reach the stars through other forms of stimulation.
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15. Low Drive is Weird
Everyone’s sex drive differs. While some people enjoy the deed every week, others are perfectly fine once a month. Outside factors like mental health or stress can contribute to low libido, but a low drive affects more people than you think.
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16. You Need a Schedule
Healthy couples don’t need a “schedule” to maintain happiness. It’s completely fine if things slow down after a baby. It’s also okay if frequency dwindles. The most important thing is that you’re on the same page and still fulfilled in the relationship.
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17. Toys Are Like Cheating
Toys and alone time have their place in a relationship. Unless alone time interferes with intimacy, there’s nothing wrong with closing your bedroom door and opening a fresh pack of batteries. Toys can also be used in relationships to amplify sensations!
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18. Standing Up Reduces Pregnancy
Standing up won’t stop pregnancy. No matter how you do the do, pregnancy risks can happen any time penetration occurs. The best way to prevent those baby strollers is through contraception.
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19. It Stops When You Age
Getting older doesn’t mean libidos wither away. Though frequency may change, fireworks still fly between older couples. In fact, retired couples are often far less stressed because their children moved out and work stress is gone.
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20. Female Os Are Common
Some people lose self-esteem if their partners don’t reach the finish line. Try not to get too down on yourself. Not everyone achieves their O-face and it often isn't a reflection of performance. Thorough communication ensures you’re on the same page and can make your time memorable regardless.
