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04/22/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/23/2024 13:11

Five Common Sexual Health Myths Debunked

Five Common Sexual Health Myths Debunked

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Public Health

Five Common Sexual Health Myths Debunked

Can you get pregnant on your period? Does the pull out method work? Can you get STIs from a toilet seat? Fear not, we've got the answers.

April 22, 2024
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Navigating sexual health can be tricky, especially in the presence of so much misinformation. Because sexual health often remains a taboo topic, sex-related myths have persisted and continue to threaten safer sex practices by generating harmful misconceptions.

Here are some common sexual health myths to debunk:

Myth:

The "pull out" method works.

The Facts:

This method can reduce the risk of pregnancy when conducted properly. However, it's only about 78% effective and can be difficult to execute in the heat of the moment. A person may not be able to pull out in time before any of the ejaculate is released. Importantly, contrary to popular belief, pre-ejaculate ("pre-cum") can also contain sperm. In other words, yes, it is possible to get pregnant from pre-ejaculate. Rather than relying on withdrawal to prevent pregnancy, use a more effective contraceptive method, like condoms or birth control.

Myth:

You can't get pregnant on your period.

The Facts:

Though unlikely, it is possible to get pregnant during menstruation. This is because sperm can live in the vagina for up to five days, meaning sperm can potentially stay alive long enough to make contact with an egg after it's released during ovulation.

Myth:

You can only transmit an STI if you have symptoms.

The Facts:

False, yet again! In fact, a lot of people unknowingly transmit STIs to their sexual partners. The majority of STIs - including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes - have no (or very mild) symptoms and go undetected. Sexually active people should get tested at least once a year, whether they have symptoms or not. Ideally, it's best to get tested every three months or before every new sexual partner.

Myth:

Using two condoms enhances protection against pregnancy and STIs.

The Facts:

In this case, two is not better than one! It's actually riskier to use more than one condom at once, as this can increase the likelihood of breakage due to friction. Just stick with one condom at a time, folks!

Myth:

You can contract STIs from a toilet seat.

The Facts:

Fear not; this is false! STIs generally spread through unprotected sex and genital contact - vaginal, oral, and anal - not from toilet seats. The viruses and bacteria that cause STIs usually can't live outside the human body long. Therefore, it's highly unlikely to contract an STI from surfaces (known as "fomite transmission").

Remember, when in doubt about a sexual health question, look for a reputable medical source or ask an expert! BU Student Health Services is available to answer questions about your sexual health concerns. Go to Patient Connect and use the "Ask a Nurse" function to send a medical question or make an appointment with a provider.

Sources: Medical Myths: Sexual health (Medical News Today); Popular Sexual Health Myths That People Still Get Wrong (Everlywell)

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  • Samara Ruberg (Sargent'24, SPH'25)

    Samara Ruberg (Sargent'24, SPH'25) is a Student Health Ambassador with BU's Student Health Services. Profile

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