Matte Stories & PSA
Matte Stories
Ignorance is not Bliss - Some Common and Persistent Misconceptions about Sex
Reporting by: Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (www.sexualityandu.ca)
Reality check: Most people get their first bits of information about sex from their friends and peers. While some of this may be useful and accurate, a good part of it is false. Some myths have been passed down through generations and continue with the use of the Internet.
sexualityandu.ca is committed to helping clear up these myths by providing up-to-date, accurate information on the questions and issues that matter most to Canadians. Here is a look at some of the most common misconceptions - and realities - surrounding sex, contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Sex
Myth: Everyone is having sex. I should be too.
Reality: Sex is a personal issue. The decision to have sex or not, or to begin a sexual relationship with a new partner, is a choice that is different for everyone. Being comfortable with the decision is what is important - regardless of what others are doing.
Myth: If you really love someone, sex is the only way to show them.
Reality: There are many ways for people to show their affection for one another. While sex can be a rewarding expression of feelings between partners, there are also non-sexual ways of showing love. Don't be pressured into conforming to someone's else's ideas. be creative!
Contraception
Myth: A girl cannot get pregnant if it is her first time having sex.
Reality: The first time is not a freebie! As soon as a woman is biologically capable of becoming pregnant - that is, once she has started to menstruate - any act of unprotected sex could result in pregnancy.
Myth: A girl cannot get pregnant if the boy pulls out before he ejaculates.
Reality: The 'pull-out' or 'withdrawal' method is not an effective way of preventing pregnancy and has a failure rate of about 19 per cent. This means that if 100 women used this method as their only means of contraception for a year, about 19 would become pregnant. Before ejaculation, the penis secretes pre-ejaculatory fluid that can contain thousands of sperm. It only takes one to get pregnant!
Myth: A girl cannot get pregnant if sex occurs during her period.
Reality: This myth argues that since ovulation has occurred and the egg is being shed during menstruation, pregnancy cannot occur at this time. However, ovulation can actually occur during or shortly after menstruation, and sperm can live in the vagina for five to seven days, so there is still the risk of conception. Since each woman's menstrual cycle is different, it's not always possible to predict which days are "safe".
Myth: Pregnancy cannot occur if people have sex while standing up or the woman is on top during intercourse.
Reality: Different sexual positions make very little difference in the chances of getting pregnant. The reproductive parts of our bodies are designed to facilitate reproduction. When sperm are deposited into the vagina, natural processes guide them toward the woman's cervix and uterus.
STIs
Myth: I don't need to worry because only people who sleep around get STIs.
Realty: Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of contracting an STI - even if it is their first time. All it takes is engaging in sexual activity with one infected partner.
Myth: You cannot get an STI from giving or receiving oral sex.
Reality: Some people believe that oral sex is not 'real sex' and therefore the same dangers do not exist. This is potentially the most dangerous myth out there. Oral sex is safer than penetrative sex, but "safer" doesn't mean "safe". Any exposure to bodily fluids or genitalia puts people at risk for contracting an STI. Herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis A & B, chlamydia, syphilis and HIV can all be transmitted through oral sex.
Myth: Condoms provide protection from all STIs.
Reality: When used consistently and properly, condoms are the best way to protect against STIs. However, some STIs can be transmitted through any type of sexual contact, not just sex. Herpes and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the virus that causes genital warts, can be spread through skin-to-skin contact and a condom may not fully protect you.
Myth: I'm on the pill so I don't need to worry about STIs.
Reality: The oral contraceptive pill is designed to prevent pregnancy. It offers no protection against STIs.
Myth: It doesn't matter if I get an STI as they all have a cure.
Reality: While many STIs are curable or can be controlled, others such as genital herpes, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)/genital warts and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are not. STIs can lead to serious health conditions such as infertility, spontaneous abortion, cancer and death.
www.sexualityandu.ca
www.sexualityandu.ca is the ultimate Canadian web site committed to providing accurate, up-to-date information and education on sexual health. From sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to contraception awareness, lifestyle choices to talking about sex, the site offers information for teens, adults, parents, teachers and health professionals. The web site is made possible with the guidance and collaboration of a team of distinguished Canadian medical organizations, and is led by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
Last Modified: October 1, 2008
