Pull-Outs, Periods & Pleasure: What You Think You Know About Sex Is Mostly Wrong
From size myths to pleasure tools, common misconceptions continue to harm sexual health and relationships—experts say it’s time to talk with facts 18 July 2025, New Delhi Despite growing awareness,...
From size myths to pleasure tools, common misconceptions continue to harm sexual health and relationships—experts say it’s time to talk with facts
18 July 2025, New Delhi
Despite growing awareness, many people still rely on myths and misinformation when it comes to sex. These half-truths—passed down through hearsay, pop culture, or inadequate sex education—don’t just distort perceptions, they impact real lives, relationships, and reproductive health.
Below are some of the most widespread myths about sex—debunked by experts—to help set the record straight.
1. “Size Matters” – The Myth That Just Won’t Quit
Perhaps the most common myth in the book—and one that continues to haunt men and shape unhealthy expectations. But here’s the truth: sexual satisfaction is far more psychological than physical.
“Focusing on size distracts people from what really matters—communication, emotional connection, and understanding your partner’s body, ” says Kate Moyle, a psychosexual therapist quoted in The Guardian .
Studies have shown that most people value intimacy and attentiveness over anatomy. So, no, bigger is not always better.
2. Is the Pull-Out Method Safe? Think Again
It might sound like an easy, no-hassle contraceptive method, but the pull-out method is notoriously unreliable.
According to a Boston University health advisory , pre-ejaculate fluid can still contain sperm, and relying on timing leaves huge room for error . This misconception has contributed to numerous unplanned pregnancies and highlights a deeper issue—the widespread gap in comprehensive sex education.
The bottom line? Condoms and modern contraceptives are not just for safety; they’re smart, science-backed choices.
3. No Symptoms, No STIs? Dangerous Assumption
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) often go undetected for months or even years—especially in women.
“People mistakenly assume that if they feel fine, they must be fine. But many STIs like chlamydia or HPV are silent until they become serious,” says Dr. Emily Jamea, a Texas-based sex therapist .
Regular testing—even if you’re in a monogamous relationship—is crucial. It’s not just about personal safety; it’s a responsibility toward your partner, too.
4. Sex Peaks in Youth – Another Marketing Myth
Movies and media have hardwired the idea that the best sex happens in your twenties. But data says otherwise.
Many people report their most satisfying sexual experiences in their 30s, 40s, and beyond, when they know themselves better and shed performance anxieties. The Channel NewsAsia study even points to increased confidence and intimacy among older women, breaking down myths around post-menopause sexuality.
So don’t believe the hype—sex isn’t a sprint; it’s a journey.
5. You Can’t Get Pregnant on Your Period? Risky Belief
This one’s particularly harmful in regions with weak reproductive health education. While the chances are lower, sperm can survive in the body for up to five days, making pregnancy during menstruation possible, especially if the cycle is short or irregular.
This myth also opens the door to dangerous contraceptive misunderstandings, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancies in young couples.
6. Sex Toys ≠ Dissatisfaction – Time to Bin This Myth
Contrary to the outdated belief that sex toys are used only when a partner can’t satisfy, research tells a different story. A comprehensive European study of nearly 12,000 adults found that sex toy users—whether solo or with a partner—reported higher levels of sexual satisfaction and relationship happiness.
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Experts emphasize that toys often encourage better communication and shared exploration. According to Psychology Today, over 75% of couples who introduced toys said it boosted their intimacy and broke the monotony. Far from being a last resort, toys are a sign of comfort, trust, and a shared desire to keep things exciting—making the experience more connected, not less.
These myths aren’t just misinformation—they’re silent saboteurs of healthy relationships, informed choices, and public health. Inaccurate beliefs about sex can delay diagnosis of infections, lead to unplanned pregnancies, and reinforce shame-based attitudes toward sexuality.
As experts unanimously emphasize, access to factual sexual education is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. So let’s normalize talking about it. Let’s choose curiosity over cringe, facts over fear, and health over hearsay.
Because in the end, the truth about sex isn’t taboo—it’s liberating.
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