“When did you pop your cherry?” ‘You must bleed when you first have sex to prove you were a virgin’ “You’ll go blind if you masturbate!” ‘Too much sex itakufanya mtaro‘ “Oh, and maybe put your sex life on the back-burner if you want to wow your colleagues at next month’s sports event.” Do these phrases sound familiar?
Deciding to have sex doesn’t have a specific time, and neither does it have a specific formulae. If you don’t feel ready, you’re not ready. You may not feel ready until you meet someone you trust and are comfortable with, and it’s the next step in your relationship at a time that’s right for both of you.
If you have played the game telephone growing up, then you know what happens to clear information when you’re only allowed to speak about it in whispers: The truth gets jumbled as hell. Myths wouldn’t be a thing if we made accurate information about sex and sexuality accessible to young people.
Everyone’s heard their fair share of sex myths, especially during their teenage years. Unfortunately, though, some myths might persist well into adulthood, affecting the way we relate to our sexual lives. Here, we debunk some of the most widespread misconceptions about sex.
- Menestral sex reduces crambs
The likelihood of becoming pregnant after period sex depends largely on how long your menstrual cycle is. In most women, the menstrual cycle lasts for approximately 28 days. Usually, 3-5 of those days are taken up by their period, during which unfertilized eggs, or “ovules,” and uterine lining are eliminated. So, if you do plan to ease those menstrual cramps by having sex, you may wish to consider using a condom.
2. Masturbation is bad for you
In case there were still any doubts, there are absolutely no links between your genitals and your eyes, so try as you might, you won’t lose the gift of vision just by exploring your nether bits sometimes.
“Let’s say, as a man, every single time you masturbate you only give yourself a few minutes from first touch to ejaculation. That may condition you to those few minutes, so when you’re with a partner and you want to last longer, that may create problems for you.”
Teesha Morgan
3. Boys don’t need to worry about contraception that is the girl’s responsibility
The decision to have sex is a joint one. You might believe your girlfriend is on the pill or taking other contraception, but this is only effective if taken correctly. Also, the only way to protect against a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is by using a condom.
If a penis is in a vagina and ejaculates semen there, no matter where that happens, there’s a chance of pregnancy.
4. STI tests are only for those who sleep around
Anyone who has unprotected oral, vaginal and anal sex can catch an STI, so it’s always best to practice safe sex. It’s not always possible to tell if someone has an STI, and they might not even realize themselves if they don’t have any symptoms. Yearly tests are recommended, or each time you want to sleep with a different partner.
5. If he ‘pulls out’ when he ejaculates, she can’t get pregnant
Before a boy ejaculates, there’s sperm in the pre-ejaculatory fluid, which leaks out when he gets an erection. It only takes one sperm to get a girl pregnant. If you have unprotected sex, you’re at risk of pregnancy and of catching an STI. Be ware! Always use protection!
6. There’s no male birth control
It’s true, a male pill is still in the works. But men actually have one of the safest and most accessible forms of birth control easily at their disposal: the beautiful, flexible, STI-and-pregnancy preventing … condom!