It’s no wonder there are so many myths about sexual health. Talking about it with your parents and your doctor, two people you usually trust for accurate information is one of the most uncomfortable things you can do. Myths about sexual health will persist as long as people believe that talking about sex and sexual health is taboo. For instance, have you ever heard people argue that non-natural and natural birth control pills lead to infertility? What do you think? Is it true or false? We asked a gynecologist which sexual health myths he encounters most often and which make him most uncomfortable. It’s time to dispel these myths about sexual health. Let’s start.
Birth Control Pills Can Cause Infertility
Some women actively avoid the most effective contraceptive methods because they fear becoming infertile. You may also have heard well-meaning people advise against using contraception, such as IUDs, until after childbirth, “just in case” it can lead to infertility. However, this is not the case. You cannot get pregnant only if you actively use contraception.
Even if you do not menstruate (even for a long time), fertility is not permanently reduced by contraception. When you stop taking the contraceptive pill, and ovulation resumes, fertility is restored. Therefore, even a missed pill can result in pregnancy.
Lesbians Don’t Need Screening for Cervical Cancer
Certain types of HPV infections often cause cervical cancer (i.e., human papillomavirus). It is true that penetrative sex, which requires the union of the penis and vagina, is more associated with HPV infection. Hence, heterosexual partners are more likely to be infected. In other words, lesbian women have a lower risk of developing cervical cancer, but not such that less frequent screening (such as Pap smears and HPV testing) is warranted. The American Sexual Health Association explains that many lesbians have had skin-to-skin contact with men in the past and that HPV can be transmitted through other types of skin-to-skin contact. Like heterosexual women, lesbians should consider HPV vaccination to dramatically reduce their risk of cervical cancer.
Condoms Get Rid of the Pleasure
In the past, this may have been true, but not today. Condoms have evolved with technology. There are numerous options for every fantasy you and your partner want to live out. The variety of condoms available today can enhance your sexual experience. Some condoms have different fragrances to mask the natural latex smell and different textures to enhance pleasure. Some are so thin that you forget you are wearing them.
In addition, you can be sure that manufacturers continue to work on new and improved versions of the condoms they already produce. In short, these falsehoods must be put to rest because they are not to be believed. To prevent your children from believing these lies, you must continue to talk to them about sex. Talking to children about sex understandably and sympathetically often helps them understand how it works and the problems that can arise when they have sex outside the right environment.