If you have heard and believed myths about sexual health matters without making any effort to check if it is actually true, then we hate to tell you this, but you are placing your health on the line especially if you have been engaging in sexual activities with these beliefs in mind. Let’s get the facts straight, shall we? This article is busting myths about sexual health and offers information about sexual health screening that you should undergo to make sure everything down below is free from disorders and conditions that can be harmful to your health.
Sexual health myths about getting pregnant
Myth: Kissing or hugging can cause pregnancy.
Fact: False. You may have heard this myth spread around while you were in middle school and hopefully as an adult you no longer believe this to be true. Otherwise, know that kissing or hugging will not result in impregnation. Pregnancy starts when the sperm reaches the egg inside the uterus and successfully fertilizes it.
Myth: Pregnancy won’t happen using the withdrawal method.
Fact: False. The ‘withdrawal method’ is done by pulling out the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation. This method may lessen the chances of pregnancy when done with accuracy, but it does not rule it out from happening entirely. Doctors do not recommend this as a foolproof way of not getting pregnant due to the pre-ejaculation of the penis where there may be sperm present in the fluid. If this happens during penetration, then there is a possibility that a woman can get pregnant.
Myth: Urinating, washing, or douching following sex can hinder pregnancy.
Fact: False. Urinating is recommended to do after having sex although the purpose for this is not to hinder pregnancy, but to empty the bladder and prevent bacteria from spreading to the urethra while having sex. This lowers your chances of having infections, such as urinary tract infection (UTI). Washing and douching also does not prevent pregnancy. Better use a condom or contraceptive pills to avoid pregnancy. Ladies, do note that contraceptives only take effect a week after they are taken.
Sexual health myths about hygiene
Myth: Douching regularly helps keep the vagina clean and healthy.
Fact: False. A lot of doctors do not recommend douching at all as this method of cleansing the vagina also removes the good bacteria and may cause an imbalance to the vaginal flora. Vaginal infections and irritations are avoided when there is a balance in the acidic environment of the vagina. This means that both good and bad bacteria are needed to keep it healthy.
Myth: There is a possibility for a tampon to get lost in the body.
Truth: False. While a tampon can get deeper inside the vagina, it cannot go further beyond and become lost in the body as the cervix, which is found at the back of the vagina, has an opening that is tiny enough for it to go through.
Myth: After urinating, it is enough for men to just “shake it off.”
Fact: False. Gently shaking the penis after urinating can remove any drops of urine that may remain, but it is important that the area is also wiped properly to avoid bacteria from accumulating which may cause infections.
Sexual health myths about sexual intercourse
Myth: A torn hymen means a woman is no longer a virgin.
Fact: False. The hymen is an elastic, fleshy tissue that can be found at the vagina’s opening. This tissue is thin and usually tears over the course of time. It may or may not tear when having sex for the first time and it can also tear due to other factors, such as tampon use and exercise. It can remain intact even when a woman has had sex for multiple times.
Myth: Condoms work 100% for protection.
Fact: False. A condom will do a perfect job in practicing safe sex only when it is used correctly. Improper use of condom may result in bursting or tearing during sexual intercourse.
Myth: Younger men perform best than older men in bed.
Fact: False. Because younger men seem to have more energy than older men, many may think that they are actually better at having sex than adult men who are more advanced in age. However, age has little to do when it comes to sexual drive and performance. There are other factors that can influence a man’s ability to perform in bed.
Sexual health myths about sexually transmitted infections (STI)
Myth: Sexually transmitted infections are only spread through penetrative sex.
Fact: False. STIs may also be spread through genital contact, oral sex, and use of shared sex toys. Aside from sexual contact, STIs may also infect an individual that has been exposed to blood that contains STI.
Myth: Toilet seats are a breeding ground for STIs.
Fact: False. Viruses and some bacteria that cause STIs do not have the ability to survive outside of the body for even a short period of time. Hence, they will die fast on any type of surfaces, including toilet seats.
Myth: People with only one partner need not worry about contracting STIs.
Fact: False. It is not a guarantee that you cannot be infected with STI even if you only have one partner. Any person who is sexually active regardless of how many partners they have will always have that small chance of contracting STIs. The best way to know if you and your partner are both free from STIs is to get regular sexual health screening tests for STI. Practicing safe sex by using a condom can also help in preventing STI infections.
Sexual health screening recommendations for adults
Undergoing regular sexual health screenings not only helps you, but also your partner and the society from the spread of sexually transmitted infections. There are various sexual health screenings available in Singapore for the following infections:
- Chlamydia testing
- Gonorrhea testing
- Herpes testing
- HIV testing
- Syphilis testing
Depending on the type of test that you are taking, you will be asked to provide a sample of your blood or urine. Some tests may be done through swabbing.
You can learn more about sexual health screenings by talking to our doctors at the Zest Clinic.
Zest Clinic
Precious Medical Centre
80 Marine Parade Road
#01-11B Parkway Parade
Singapore 449269
+65 9176 9378
