Sex myths that need to be busted right away!
1st Jan 2015 Health Conditions
There are far too many sex myths out there causing many to overthink, and grow anxious about the act of love. It's time to set the record straight!
Men reach their sexual peak in their early 20s and women in their 30s
Gif via Tumblr
This particular myth has no statistical or scientific support.
Firstly, there is no such thing as peaking sexually. Secondly, as we are most likely aware, mind boggling, life-affirming sex can arise at any stage in life.
Our experience of sex is subjective, personal, circumstantial: reliant on specific preferences and unique contexts that can make for some rather breathtaking encounters entirely unrelated to age.
Only women can have multiple orgasms
Gif via Buzzfeed
Yes, some lucky men can climax repeatedly without losing their erection.
Research states that while approximately 30% of women have experienced multiple orgasms, only about 10% will achieve it on a regular basis. While you’re at it, spare a thought for the most fêted sexual icon of the 20th century, Marilyn Monroe, who confided in a friend that she had never had an orgasm.
When she finally reached the big O with the help of extensive therapy, Monroe exclaimed; "It is so good... Doctor, I worship you."
You shouldn’t have sex when you’re feeling unwell
Gif via Reddit
Did you know that sex can act as a tranquiliser ten times more effective than valium?
During the female orgasm, powerfully painkilling endorphins are released, relieving the tension that restricts blood vessels in the brain.
In a similar way, sex can be a temporary cure for mild depression. These endorphins that flow into the bloodstream also produce a sense of euphoria, leaving you with a blissful sense of well-being.
And what about your particularly un-sexy winter sniffles? Regular sex can unblock a stuffy nose as the act works as a natural antihistamine, also helping to combat asthma and hay fever.
As well as helping you feel better, sex can help you look better too. Scientific tests have found that during sex, women produce more estrogen: the hormone responsible for shiny hair and smooth skin. And it’s not just for the women.
Long sessions of relaxed sex can diminish skin complaints such as dermatitis, rashes and blemishes as the type of sweat produced cleanses the pores and expels the toxins associated with these skin complaints.
A quickie is beneficial too however, boosting the immune system for up to ten days after, helping ward off any pesky colds or illnesses coming your way.
Women prefer a larger penis
Gif via Art, Design and Digital Culture
It’s just simply untrue and here’s why: consistent research repeatedly finds that sexual competence is caused by psychological connection, intimacy, and relationship satisfaction, not the size or shape of our genitalia.
In a study of over 1600 men, Dr Debby Herbenick, a research scientist at Indiana University, found the average erect penis length was about 5.6 inches, with most men on the brink of that measurement. How people click during sex has been shown to be more important than the size of their genitals.
Sexual satisfaction is more based on preferred movement, rapport, depth of familiarity, techniques, and positions than on dimensions.
Women don't like to give oral sex: “It’s called a job for a reason”
Gif via TV Screen ME
In Ancient Greece, the common slang for a blow job was “playing the flute” which certainly paints a happier picture than the word ‘job’ implies.
While fewer women than men actually report enjoying giving oral sex to a partner, many women enjoy this activity on its own merits. And there are added benefits besides pleasuring your partner.
Performing the act of fellatio massages the jaw while burning anywhere from 30-50 calories per session. And let’s not forget, semen contains zinc and calcium, both of which are proven to prevent tooth decay.
Women can’t orgasm from penetration alone
Gif via Impossible Creation
It’s not quite as straightforward as this common myth. Playwright April de Angelis wrote the all-female show, ‘Playhouse Creatures’ in the form of the female orgasm, with many peaks and troughs throughout rather than a straightforward narrative arc and climax.
The female orgasm is a slightly complex topic.
While it is true that most women don’t climax from vaginal sex alone, it's more difficult to define exactly what has caused a female orgasm. The clitoris has exterior and interior parts for example, which intercourse will stimulate simultaneously.
A 2009 national survey of Sexual Health and Behaviour, found that approximately two-thirds of women orgasm during sex, and this could be from vaginal, clitoral, breast or other kinds of stimulation.
Find love and companionship with Reader's Digest Dating.
