Get Off Right

Myth

If you’re not putting a penis in a vagina, you don’t need to use a condom.

Fact

You can catch STIs from all different types of activities. There are a lot of great ways to protect yourself during oral, manual and anal sex. For oral sex, dental dams and condoms are a great option. For manual sex, there are gloves with that exact purpose. When it comes to anal sex, be sure that you’re using a condom and a good amount of lube. Unless you’re already in a monogamous, fluid-bonded relationship, there’s always a way to protect yourself.

Myth

It’s always the man that wants sex, and the man always wants sex.

Fact

Everyone’s sex drive is different. Some men want sex all the time, some never want it, and the majority will fall somewhere in between. Similarly, women can want to have sex all the time, never at all, or most likely, a desire for sex sometimes, in some situations. Don’t make assumptions about whether or not someone wants sex. Instead, communicate clearly and accept the other person’s answer.

Myth

The more people a woman has sex with, the looser her vagina will be.

Fact

This is just not how vaginas work. Vaginas are incredibly elastic in nature and will bounce back from a significant majority of activities. If you do feel like you’d like your vagina to be stronger you can always do kegel exercises.

Myth

There’s no chance of pregnancy if you or your partner is on their period.

Fact

Sperm can survive in a vagina for up to seven days and an egg can survive for up to three. Because of this, a woman can get pregnant on any day of her cycle. It’s fine to have sex with someone while they’re on their period, but be sure to use protection like any other time of the month.

Myth

Your first time is supposed to hurt.

Fact

It doesn’t have to! The biggest part of this myth is the idea that during the first time a woman will “pop her cherry.” What people are talking about here is the hymen, and it shouldn’t be ripped or “popped!” The hymen stretches and as long as you go slowly and use lube, there’s no reason for your sexual debut to be a physically painful experience.