Recognizing Sexual Myths

Many American teens don't know the facts about sexuality. They have heard and passed on misinformation or myths. Sexual decisions based upon misinformation can have serious consequences. The results can be an unintended pregnancy, a sexually transmitted disease or other unnecessary suffering.

Knowing "the facts" about sexuality is important. Without accurate information, it's difficult to make responsible sexual decisions and to act with sexual integrity.

You can avoid these problems. You can learn the facts and pass them on to others. This leaflet presents the facts about twenty of the most common sexual myths teens are exposed to. Read it carefully. It can help you recognize sexual myths.

MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT SEXUALITY

Myth: All teenagers are having sexual intercourse these days.
Fact: While many American teens do have sexual intercourse, many do not.

Myth: If you love someone, you're going to want to have sex with him or her.
Fact: While we often use the term "making love" for sexual intercourse, love and sex are not the same thing. There are many ways to show love besides having sex.

Myth: A girl cannot get pregnant the first time she has sexual intercourse.
Fact: Girls can and often do become pregnant the first time they have intercourse.

Myth: A female cannot get pregnant while she is breast-feeding.
Fact: Although a woman may not menstruate when she is breast-feeding, she can still become pregnant.

Myth: There is an absolutely "safe" period for sexual intercourse during which intercourse cannot cause pregnancy.
Fact: While a female is less likely to get pregnant during certain periods of her menstrual cycle, there is no "absolutely" safe period. There is always a chance she will get pregnant.

Myth: Having a male withdraw his penis from a female's vagina before he ejaculates or "comes" (coitus interruptus) is a good way to prevent pregnancy.
Fact: Withdrawal is not an effective way to prevent pregnancy. Even before ejaculation, the penis leaks semen that can contain thousands of sperm.

Myth: Having sexual intercourse while standing up, urinating after intercourse or jumping up and down after intercourse will prevent pregnancy.
Fact: None of these activities prevent pregnancy.

Myth: Boys always initiate sexual activity.
Fact: While boys have traditionally taken the lead, there is no reason why this "should" be the case.

Myth: Males have stronger sex drives and are more interested in sex than females.
Fact: The female's sex drive is just as strong as the male's. Society has traditionally allowed males to express their interest in sex more openly, however.

Myth: A male always wants and is always ready to have sex.
Fact: Some males simply don't want to have sex. They may think that sex before marriage is wrong or that they simply aren't mature enough to handle it. Also, males who do have sex aren't "always" ready for it.

Myth: There's something wrong with a guy who hasn't had sex by the time he is 18.
Fact: There is no magical age by which someone should be having sex. Because some males don't want to have sex doesn't mean there is anything "wrong" with them.

Myth: Oral-genital sex between a man and a woman is a sign of homosexuality.
Fact: Many people who are exclusively heterosexual practice oral-genital sex.

Myth: You're a homosexual if you've had sex with, or even had a "sexy" dream about, someone of the same sex.
Fact: Sex play with friends of either gender is common during the preadolescent and early adolescent years. So is having "sexy" dreams. Such experiences should not be interpreted as proof of any long-term, adult sexual orientation.

Myth: You can tell if a person is a homosexual by looking at him or her.
Fact: It's impossible to know if someone is a homosexual by looking at him or her.

Myth: AIDS is a "gay" or homosexual disease.
Fact: Infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is increasing more rapidly among heterosexuals than among homosexuals. Many people are being infected with HIV through sexual activity with someone of the opposite sex.

Myth: Condoms don't work.
Fact: If used consistently and correctly, especially with the spermicide nonoxynol-9, latex condoms are highly effective in preventing both pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

Myth: Having an orgasm while asleep, a "nocturnal" orgasm, is a sign of sexual problems.
Fact: Having nocturnal orgasms is normal, healthy and nothing to worry about.

Myth: A large penis is important for sexual enjoyment.
Fact: Penis size does not determine the sexual enjoyment of either a male or his sexual partner.

Myth: Masturbation can cause a number of physical and mental problems like warts, pimples, acne and insanity.
Fact: Masturbation is a normal, healthy part of life that is not harmful.

Myth: Masturbation is restricted almost exclusively to males.
Fact: A large proportion of females, as well as males, enjoy masturbation.

SEXUAL INTEGRITY AND MYTHS

It's impossible to cover all the myths you may encounter in a short leaflet like this one. There are many more. The best way to combat them is to learn more about sexuality. The more you know, the more likely you are to realize what is and what is not a myth.

The entire "Sexual Integrity for Teens" series of leaflets is designed to help you learn about sexuality. If you haven't already, obtain and read the other leaflets. Share the information with your friends. Combating sexual ignorance is a sign of integrity.

AUTHOR: Gary L. Hansen, Ph.D., Extension Specialist in Sociology, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Kentucky; and William W. Mallory, Fayette County Extension Agent for 4-H/Youth Development, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Kentucky.