The reluctance to openly discuss sexual health issues can lead to the spread of misinformation. While the internet serves as a convenient platform for seeking anonymous answers to questions, it’s important to note that not all information found online is reliable.
To address common misconceptions about sexual health, we turned to studies conducted by medical experts and sought input from Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, a renowned Obstetrician/Gynecologist from Nigeria.
Improving an understanding of sexual health aids individuals in making informed and safe choices. While a single article may not dispel deeply entrenched myths, the availability of trustworthy information contributes to a more informed public discourse.
1. The ‘withdrawal method’ prevents Pregnancy
The withdrawal method, also known as coitus interruptus or the pull-out method, involves withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation to potentially prevent pregnancy. While it may lower the risk of pregnancy to some extent, it is not considered a reliable contraceptive method, as stated by Dr. Ajayi.
While it can be effective when performed correctly, achieving accuracy in the heat of the moment can be challenging. Furthermore, it’s important to note that the penis may release pre-ejaculate, or pre-cum, before ejaculation, which can contain sperm in some cases.
In a study where researchers analyzed pre-ejaculate samples from 27 participants, viable sperm were found in the pre-ejaculate of 10 individuals. Each participant provided a maximum of five samples, and interestingly, the presence of sperm was consistent across all samples for each individual. This suggests that while some individuals may have sperm in their pre-ejaculate, others may not.
Therefore, the use of condoms from the onset of genital contact is still recommended. However, it’s noted that some men, who are less likely to have sperm in their pre-ejaculate, may be able to practice coitus interruptus more successfully than others.
2. The ‘withdrawal method’ prevents STIs
Dr. Ajayi clarified that relying on the withdrawal method does not prevent the transmission of STIs such as HIV, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.
3. You can contract STIs from a Toilet Seat
Dispelling the persistent myth that STIs can be contracted from toilet seats, Dr. Ajayi emphasized that these infections are primarily spread through unprotected sexual activities, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as genital contact and sharing of sex toys.
Additionally, he pointed out that STI-causing viruses cannot survive for long outside the human body, and the bacteria responsible for infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cannot survive outside the body’s mucous membranes, thus making transmission via toilet seats highly unlikely.
4. Using two Condoms Doubles the Protection
Regarding the belief that using two condoms offers double protection, Dr. Ajayi explained that this is a misconception. Using multiple condoms increases the risk of breakage due to heightened friction, making a single condom the safer choice.
5. There are no Treatments for STIs
The assertion that there are no treatments for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is inaccurate. While not all STIs can be cured, many can be treated.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), eight pathogens are responsible for the majority of STIs, with four being curable: syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia (bacterial infections), and trichomoniasis (parasitic infection).
The remaining four are viral infections, including hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and human papillomavirus (HPV), which currently have no cure. However, it’s important to note that HPV infections often clear naturally from the body.
6. You can’t contract an STI unless you have Penetrative Sex
Dispelling the misconception that penetrative sex is the sole mode of STI transmission, Dr. Ajayi highlights that oral sex, genital contact, and sharing sex toys are also common routes of transmission. Furthermore, exposure to blood containing infectious pathogens, such as through needle sharing, can lead to STI contraction.
7. Only Gay males contract HIV
Addressing the erroneous belief that only gay males contract HIV, Dr. Ajayi emphasizes that HIV can affect anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, or gender. Awareness of one’s HIV status is crucial for prevention, as individuals who are unaware of their HIV-positive status are more likely to transmit the virus.
Regular testing, which is often free, confidential, and accessible, is essential for maintaining sexual health and preventing the spread of STIs. Additionally, Dr. Ajayi notes that testing can be conducted conveniently at home in many countries.
8. You can only transmit an STI if you have Symptoms
Dr. Ajayi emphasized that the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can occur even in the absence of symptoms. Many individuals unknowingly transmit STIs to others because symptoms may be mild or entirely absent.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most STIs either exhibit no symptoms or present with mild symptoms that may not be recognized as indicators of an STI.
To address this, Dr. Ajayi stressed the importance of regular testing and the consistent use of condoms to reduce the risk of STI transmission.
In summary, STIs are prevalent but preventable. Regular testing and adopting preventive measures are crucial for maintaining sexual health.
9. The Vagina becomes looser the more Partners a woman has
Regarding the misconception that the vagina becomes looser with an increase in sexual partners, Dr. Ajayi clarified that vaginal tightness is primarily influenced by the strength of the pelvic floor muscles. Factors such as natural childbirth and aging can contribute to natural loosening due to their impact on pelvic floor muscles.
However, the vagina typically returns to its pre-sex tightness after intercourse or the use of sex toys. This misconception is unfounded and serves to shame sexually active individuals.
10. You can’t get an STD from Oral Sex
Regarding the belief that one cannot contract an STD from oral sex, it’s important to note that STDs can indeed be transmitted orally. For instance, chlamydia testing often involves swabbing potential sites of infection, including the throat. Other common STDs that can be transmitted through oral sex include gonorrhea, herpes, and hepatitis.
11. Oral Contraception Prevents STI
There is a misconception that individuals using oral contraception, commonly known as “the pill,” are immune to contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, this belief is false. Oral contraception solely functions to prevent pregnancy and does not provide protection against STIs.
As Dr. Ajayi clarified, oral contraception exclusively serves as a contraceptive method and does not offer any safeguard against STIs. The only effective way to prevent STI transmission while using oral contraception is by using a condom.
Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) affirm that birth control methods such as the pill, patch, ring, and intrauterine device (IUD) are highly effective in preventing pregnancy but do not offer protection against STIs and HIV.
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Bottom Line
Dispelling sexual health myths is vital. STIs can transmit asymptomatically. Regular testing and condom use are key preventive steps. Misunderstandings about oral contraception’s efficacy against STIs underscore the importance of accurate education.