Women’s sexual health can feel like a taboo subject, but it’s time to clear the air and provide some accurate information. There are a lot of myths surrounding female sexuality, and many of these misunderstandings can lead to confusion, fear, or even serious health issues. Let’s bust through 10 of the most common misconceptions about women’s sexual health so you can feel empowered and informed.
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As a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with over 7 years of experience, I am passionate about helping women discover how to exercise properly and heal their pain. Join me at Good Mind + Body, where we create a supportive space for women to learn, grow, and achieve their health and wellness goals.
Where Did Sex Myths Originate?
Sex myths often stem from a mix of cultural norms, misinformation, and the lack of comprehensive education. Many people grow up without proper knowledge about the human body or sexual health due to taboos and outdated teachings. These myths are often reinforced by unreliable sources, such as peer discussions, pop culture, and even family members who unintentionally pass along falsehoods.
Misunderstandings, like the belief that you can’t get pregnant on your period or that withdrawal is a foolproof method, thrive in environments where open conversations about sex are discouraged. This silence and stigma allow misconceptions to persist across generations.
Breaking these myths is crucial for promoting healthier lives and relationships. When people rely on myths, they risk unplanned pregnancies, untreated STIs, and unnecessary anxiety about their bodies and choices. By seeking accurate information from healthcare providers and trusted resources like the World Health Organization, we can replace outdated ideas with facts. Open dialogue and reliable education empower people to make informed decisions, fostering better physical, emotional, and sexual health for everyone.
Common Myths About Women’s Sexual Health
1. Myth: You Can’t Get Pregnant the First Time
Reality:
Pregnancy risk is present during any act of vaginal intercourse, even the first time. The exchange of bodily fluids, including pre-ejaculatory fluid, can still lead to an unplanned pregnancy. Using the withdrawal method or relying on a single condom may not be enough to prevent pregnancy. For better protection, explore birth control pills, oral contraceptives, or the use of condoms consistently.

2. Myth: You Can Get an STI from a Toilet Seat
Reality:
STIs are transmitted through skin contact, the exchange of bodily fluids, or unprotected sexual encounters—not from toilet seats. Common causes include unprotected sex or improper safe sex practices.
To reduce the risk of infections, it’s a good idea to regularly get tested for symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection.
3. Myth: Oral or Anal Sex is Completely Safe
Reality:
While oral sex and anal sex don’t carry a risk of pregnancy, they can still transmit STIs like HPV, gonorrhea, and syphilis. The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of safe sex practices, including the use of protection during all forms of sexual activity.
4. Myth: Birth Control Pills Cause Infertility
Reality:
There’s no evidence that oral contraceptives cause infertility. Once you stop taking them, your menstrual cycle should return to its natural rhythm, though it might take a little time for some women. If you have concerns about fertility, consult a healthcare provider.

5. Myth: Pap Smears Test for Everything
Reality:
A Pap smear checks for abnormal cells that might indicate cervical cancer but doesn’t test for STIs or other sexual health concerns. For a complete picture, ask your doctor about additional tests like an HPV test or screening for symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection.
More on Debunking Women’s Sexual Health Myths
6. Myth: Vaginal Discharge is Always a Problem
Reality:
Normal vaginal discharge is a healthy part of the female body, helping to clean and protect the vaginal area. However, changes in color, consistency, or odor could signal an infection or other medical conditions. When in doubt, see a women’s health services provider.
7. Myth: Breastfeeding Prevents Pregnancy
Reality:
While exclusive breastfeeding can delay ovulation in some women, it’s not a foolproof method of birth control. Trust me, I conceived while breastfeeding and was only 6 months postpartum. The uterine lining can still prepare for pregnancy unexpectedly. Using additional contraception is always a good idea if you want to avoid an unplanned pregnancy.
8. Myth: Women Shouldn’t Talk About Their Sexual Desires
Reality:
Conversations about sexual desire and female sexuality shouldn’t be a taboo topic. Open communication with your partner including clitoral stimulation, can improve sexual functions and strengthen your relationship.
9. Myth: Hormones Only Affect Mood Swings
Reality:
Hormones play a significant role in everything from mental health to sexual behavior and even heart disease. Conditions like menopausal symptoms, postpartum depression, and pelvic floor muscles health are all influenced by hormonal changes. A healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and lifestyle changes, can make a significant difference.

10. Myth: All Women Experience Spontaneous Desire
Reality:
Not all women feel the spark of spontaneous desire. For many, desire is responsive, building over time during sexual encounters or through emotional connection. This is perfectly normal and doesn’t indicate sexual dysfunction.
Myths About Sex We All Believed at Some Point
1. Myth: Taking a Shower or Douching After Sex Prevents Pregnancy
Reality:
Washing or douching the vaginal area after vaginal intercourse does not prevent pregnancy. Sperm are strong swimmers, and once they enter the vagina, no amount of rinsing can reverse their path. The risk of pregnancy requires use of condoms or other effective birth control methods.
2. Myth: Grinding or Dry Humping Can Result in Pregnancy
Reality:
Pregnancy requires sperm to enter the vagina. Grinding or dry humping with clothes on doesn’t involve the exchange of bodily fluids, so it won’t lead to pregnancy. However, these activities won’t protect you from skin-to-skin transmitted STIs.

3. Myth: Doubling Up on Condoms Offers Extra Protection
Reality:
Using two condoms at once can cause friction between them, increasing the failure rate due to tearing. A single condom, used properly, is the best practice for safe, effective protection.
4. Myth: Having Sex in the Pool Prevents Pregnancy
Reality:
The environment where sex occurs—be it a pool, hot tub, or elsewhere—doesn’t impact the risk of pregnancy. Sperm remain viable even in water and can still fertilize an egg.
5. Myth: You Don’t Need Back-Up When Starting a Contraceptive Plan
Reality:
When you first begin taking birth control pills or using another contraception method, it’s crucial to WAIT or use a condom for back-up until the method becomes fully effective. For many methods, this is within a specific time frame, such as seven days.
More on Sexual Health Myths Busted

6. Myth: Pregnancy Is Impossible in Certain Positions
Reality:
Pregnancy can occur no matter what position you engage in during vaginal intercourse. Gravity, motion, or other factors don’t change the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg.
7. Myth: Having Sex on Your Period Means You Can’t Get Pregnant
Reality:
While the chances are lower, it’s still possible to conceive if you have unprotected sex during your period. Sperm can survive inside the vaginal area for up to five days, and ovulation timing varies. However, if you have your period after unprotected sex, you’re most likely not pregnant.
8. Myth: Sperm Aren’t That Strong
Reality:
Sperm are incredibly resilient! If the vaginal area is moist, sperm can “swim” up the vagina and fertilize an egg. This is why using contraception is so important during sexual encounters.
9. Myth: HIV/AIDS and STIs Require Penetration
Reality:
You can contract HIV/AIDS and other STIs through skin contact with razor bumps, infected hair follicles, or sores. Always prioritize safe sex practices to lower the risk of infections.

10. Myth: Missing Your Period Means You’re Pregnant
Reality:
A missed period can be a sign of pregnancy, but it’s not the only explanation. Factors like stress, hormonal imbalances, or certain medical conditions can also affect the menstrual cycle. If you’re concerned, taking a test or consulting women’s health services is a good idea.
11. Myth: It’s Okay to Reuse a Condom if You Put It on Incorrectly
Reality:
If you initially put the condom on wrong, discard it and use a new one. Reusing a compromised condom increases the risk of infections and unplanned pregnancy.
The Takeaway
By addressing these common myths about women’s sexual health, we can replace popular beliefs with real-life, accurate information. Whether it’s discussing the failure rate of contraception, debunking fears about vaginal intercourse, or understanding how breast milk and the female body truly work, knowledge is power. Take control of your health by consulting trusted healthcare providers, practicing safe sex, and staying informed.
Empowering yourself with the truth is one of the best steps toward a healthy weight, a balanced mind, and a confident understanding of your human body. Share this with your friends—you never know who might need to hear it today! 💕
References
- Teves ME, Roldan ERS. Sperm bauplan and function and underlying processes of sperm formation and selection. Physiol Rev. 2022 Jan 1;102(1):7-60. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00009.2020. Epub 2021 Apr 21. PMID: 33880962; PMCID: PMC8812575.
- Van Steirteghem A. Human Reproduction. Editor’s choice. Hum Reprod. 2009 Mar;24(3):495. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dep038. PMID: 19237737.
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