Common sex myths BUSTED!
myth or fact

When a guy gets sexually excited or aroused, but doesn't ejaculate (cum), his testicles hurt and having sex is the only way to take away the pain.
MYTH: This is commonly known as blue balls, and is basically blood rushing to the penis - when more blood flows in than flows out. When blood remains in the genitals for a long time, it can cause an ache or pain, but it is NOT permanent. An orgasm does help, but is not the only way to get rid of the pain; over a short period of time, the blood flow during erection will go back to normal. A lot of guys say that having sex is the only way to take away the pain...that may just be an excuse to have sex! Masturbation or time will cure the problem just as easily.

A female can't get pregnant while she's having her period.
MYTH: During ovulation, an egg (ovum) is released from the fallopian tubes and attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. Menstruation (the period) is the shedding of the lining of the uterus and an unfertilized egg. In some cases, a female can even release two eggs (ova) at the same time and only one egg will be shed.

It only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg, and sperm can live in the female reproductive system for up to five days - it's on a mission! A live sperm can fertilize an egg that has been released during the menstrual cycle, which can sometimes be an unshed egg, or another egg released days after the period. It is always important to use a contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy even when you are on your period.

Its OK if sex hurts a girl - it only means she has a tight vagina. If she's a virgin, it should hurt.
MYTH: A lot of females say that they experience pain the first time they had sex. Sometimes, this can mean that people will expect to be in pain or expect their partner to be in pain, but not listen to them or communicate with them if they are having pain. People must know that SEX SHOULD NEVER EVER HAVE TO HURT.

The vagina is a muscle: it expands and contracts and is very elastic. What that means is that there is no such thing as a "tight" or a "loose" vagina based on how much a person has had sex. The vaginal canal expands during arousal, and the cervix moves to allow more space.

Virginity is one of those things that means something different to everyone. Is someone still a virgin if they've had other types of sex (anal, oral, etc.), but not vaginal intercourse? Is someone still a virgin if they were born without a hymen or their hymen was broken before they had sex? In any case, whether someone is a virgin or not, they should never experience unwanted pain during sex. Using lots of water-based lubricant, relaxing, and communicating with your partner are great ways to make sex fun and pain-free.

If a female is a virgin, she will bleed the first time she has sex.
MYTH: At the opening of the vagina, there is a thin membrane called the hymen; some females still have a hymen the first time they have sex, some females are born without one, and some people's hymen will break long before they have sex (sports, masturbation, or the use of tampons may cause the hymen to break). Some females who have had sex before may bleed and others may not. Bleeding is not proof that someone is a virgin.

Anyone can contract HIV from hugging, sharing food or shaking hands with an infected person.
MYTH: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can only be contracted through five fluids: blood, vaginal fluids, semen (cum), pre-ejaculate (pre-cum), and breast milk. Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, contact with an infected person's blood (through sharing needles or small tears on the skin) or contact with an infected person's breast milk can put someone at risk. Hugging, sharing food or shaking hands with an infected person are all considered forms of casual contact and do not put a person at risk. The use of condoms, dental dams, latex gloves, and water-based lubricant are great ways to decrease the risk of contracting HIV during sex.

You can always tell if you have an STI you will feel itching, burning, and discomfort in your genitals.
MYTH: Many Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) do not have symptoms at all. Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HIV are a few examples of STIs that often show no visual symptoms or signs on an infected person or partner. THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW FOR SURE IS TO GET TESTED! Testing is simple, painless, and free, and STIs are treatable and sometimes curable. Getting tested with each sexual partner BEFORE you have sex is one great way to open up communication and lower your chances of being exposed to an infection; the use of latex barriers (condoms, dental dams and gloves) and water-based lube are also great to use in addition to testing, treatment, and communication in your relationship.

It is more important to use a condom with a one-night stand than with a steady partner.
MYTH: The use of condoms is important with any partner in a long-term relationship or during casual sex. Condoms really reduce the chances of contracting STIs (including Chlamydia and HIV) and pregnancy.

Condoms are the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and STIs.
MYTH: Condoms are highly effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs, but ABSTINENCE is the only 100% effective method of protection. Abstinence means different things to different people; some believe that anything but vaginal sex is abstinence, while others believe that not engaging in ANY type of sex is abstinence. The only way to truly practice 100% safe prevention is to not have any type of sexual contact. If you decide to have sex, the proper use of latex barriers (condoms, dental dams and gloves) and water-based lube are highly effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs.

Only dirty people or people who have a lot of sex should visit a clinic or see a doctor.
MYTH: Anyone, regardless of who they have sex with or how much sex they have, can be at risk for contracting an STI (like Chlamydia or HIV) or getting pregnant. Going to a clinic and talking to a doctor is a great way to begin taking charge of your body and being responsible for your own health. Period!

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