10 Sexual Myths, Debunked

Sexual myths can be everywhere, from social media to old-school stories passed down from our mamas. Some of these myths are so old that you have probably believed them for years, even if they’re far from the truth. Here are ten of the most common myths and what’s really going on.

Myth: “You can’t get pregnant if you’re on your period.”

Verdict: Myth.

Truth: Sis, this one’s a doozy! While it’s less likely, it’s still possible to get pregnant during your period. Sperm can hang out in your body for up to five days, and if you have a shorter cycle, your period can overlap with the start of the fertile window that leads to conception. Always use protection if you’re not planning to conceive.

Myth: “Size matters.”

Verdict: Myth.

Truth: Oh, the myths about size! The truth is, sexual satisfaction doesn’t depend on size. What does matter? Communication, intimacy, and technique. In fact, for many women, orgasm has less to do with penetration and more to do with our overall anatomy, particularly the distance between the vaginal opening and the clitoris, and how easily the clitoris is stimulated. It’s about connection, not measurements. When partners prioritize understanding, emotional safety, and learning what actually works, that’s when the magic happens.

Myth: “All women are supposed to have a G-spot orgasm.”

Verdict: Myth.

Truth: Not every woman experiences a distinct G-spot orgasm, and that does not mean anything is wrong with her body. A systematic review of the medical research found no consensus on the G-spot’s exact location or even its existence as a distinct structure. Anatomy varies. Where nerve endings concentrate and how sensation registers differ from one woman to the next. What I tell my patients is that pleasure is not a checklist. It is about learning what your specific body responds to, whether that is external stimulation, internal stimulation, or a combination, rather than chasing an experience that was never guaranteed to begin with.

Myth: “A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is always obvious through symptoms.”

Verdict: Myth.

Truth: Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) don’t always show symptoms, especially when they first start. This means you might have an STI like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HPV without knowing it. National screening guidelines exist precisely because these infections are usually asymptomatic, and even if you don’t feel sick, you can still pass these infections to others, and they might cause serious health problems later if they are not treated. Getting regular pap smears and STI check-ups is essential, even if you’re feeling fine. It helps catch and treat infections early.

Myth: “Men always want sex, and women don’t.”

Verdict: Myth.

Truth: Sex drive varies enormously from person to person, and gender alone does not predict it. Stress, sleep, medication, relationship dynamics, and hormone levels all shape libido, in men and in women. One widely cited university study found that comfort with sexuality, not gender, was the strongest predictor of how often someone thinks about sex, with women’s individual range spanning just as widely as men’s. There is no universal frequency that defines a normal sex drive for either gender. What matters is whether the difference between partners is something you can talk through and find a workable middle ground on, not whether you match a number you saw online.

Myth: “A strong vaginal odor means something is wrong.”

Verdict: Mostly myth.

Truth: It’s normal for the vagina to have a mild, natural scent, and this can change depending on things like your diet, menstrual cycle, and overall health. However, a strong or unpleasant odor that is sudden, fishy, or lasts for several days isn’t normal and could mean an infection or imbalance. Sometimes, changes in odor can be caused by things like hormonal changes or certain foods. If you’re worried about a strong odor or other symptoms like itching or unusual discharge, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor.

Myth: “You can only get an STI from penetrative sex.”

Verdict: Myth.

Truth: STIs can be transmitted through various types of sexual contact, not just penetrative sex. This includes oral sex, anal sex, and genital-to-genital contact. Certain STIs, like herpes and HPV, can spread through skin-to-skin contact. It’s important to use protection and get regular STI screenings to protect your health, regardless of the type of sexual activity.

Myth: “You don’t need to pee after sex if you don’t feel like it.”

Verdict: Myth.

Truth: Peeing after sex is a widely recommended habit for urinary health, since it may help flush out bacteria that entered the urethra during intercourse, which can help lower your risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Research hasn’t fully proven that it prevents every UTI, but it’s a low-effort habit with real potential benefit. If you’re trying to conceive and worried peeing after sex will affect your chances, it won’t. Sperm and urine leave your body through different openings entirely.

Myth: “You can’t get pregnant if you’re using birth control.”

Verdict: Myth.

Truth: While birth control is highly effective, no reversible method is 100 percent effective with typical use, unless you’re celibate or have had permanent sterilization like a bilateral salpingectomy or vasectomy. If pregnancy would be a serious problem right now, it’s worth talking with your OB/GYN about whether your current method still fits your life, including how a method switch could affect your longer-term fertility plans. It’s always good to be aware of how your chosen method works and use it correctly to maximize its effectiveness.

Myth: “You can’t get pregnant while breastfeeding.”

Verdict: Myth.

Truth: While breastfeeding can delay ovulation and menstruation, it is not a foolproof method of contraception on its own. Reliable protection through breastfeeding alone requires meeting specific criteria, including exclusive breastfeeding, a baby under six months old, and periods that haven’t returned yet. Outside of those narrow conditions, women can still ovulate and become pregnant even if their periods have not resumed. If you’re not planning another pregnancy right away, it’s important to use additional contraceptive methods to ensure effective birth control.

There you have it, ladies, ten common sexual myths debunked! Remember to always fact-check what you hear or discuss it with your doctor at your next appointment.