4 Sexual Health Myths - BUSTED!
Sexual health is an important aspect of our overall health, but one that is often shamed and avoided in conversation. It’s important to know your body and how it works in ALL aspects of your health. And this is why I am writing to specifically dispel 4 common myths.
Myth #1: “Popping the Cherry”
Many young people are taught that a woman’s virginity depends on whether or not their hymen is intact - a term often referred to as “popping the cherry.” This is simply not true. The hymen is a thin membrane that lines the vaginal opening, but doesn’t usually cover it completely. This is why young women can still expel menstrual fluid and discharge. In rare cases, when the hymen does cover the entire vaginal opening, surgery is performed to perforate it and allow for discharge of fluids. This condition is referred to as “Imperforated Hymen.” Now as we mentioned, most women are born with a hymen, but there are cases when a woman is born without a hymen at all. Does this make her not a virgin? The hymen has some give to it and it can stretch in response to something entering the vaginal canal (ie. a finger, penis, tampon, etc). This means that it’s not as easy to tear as we are taught. And even if tearing does occur, it doesn’t necessarily mean the individual will bleed. So even when a woman has vaginal intercourse for the first time, there isn’t necessarily some big noticeable event.
Myth #2: You can’t get pregnant while on your period
While this is highly unlikely to happen, it isn’t impossible. Women are fertile during the ovulation phase of their cycles. In addition, most women go through menses for 3-5 days, on average. However, some women have very short cycles, which means ovulation can occur earlier after a period. Additionally, sperm can live inside the human body for up to 5 days. So you can see with simple math that if a woman has unprotected vaginal intercourse towards the end of her period, and her ovulation phase comes earlier, then there is the potential for residual sperm to fertilize a new egg.
Myth #3: Douching keeps the vagina clean & healthy
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services reports that about 1 in 5 women ages 15-44 years old douche. Not only is douching not necessary, it can actually be harmful. The vagina is a self-cleaning entity. Women produce natural lubrication and vaginal discharge to rid this orifice of anything that shouldn’t be in there. Vaginas host both good and bad bacteria that create a naturally acidic environment, which helps protect from infection and irritation. When a woman uses a douche, she risks disrupting this ecosystem. Instead, women should focus on cleaning their vulva (the external genitalia) with warm water and possibly a mild, hypoallergenic soap.
Myth #4: Female orgasm occurs vaginally
Pornography teaches us that vaginal penetration will lead to mind blowing orgasms, but this is simply not the case for most women. According to the Essentials of Obstetrics and Gynecology, only 25% of women achieve orgasm through vaginal penetration, while 75% require extra clitoral stimulation. The clitoris is a structure that evolved from the same embryologic tissue as the penis and the portion of it known as the gland is jam packed with a ton of nerve endings, making it super sensitive to stimulation. The clitoris lies just above the urethral opening and is partially covered by a portion of skin known as the clitoria hood. So next time you’re feeling frisky, go ahead and feel around for it!
You can see that much of what women are taught growing up is actually false or not completely accurate. This is why it is so important to normalize sexual health among us and get the right facts. If you or someone you know is struggling with their sexual health, refer them to a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist. We provide education and are trained to screen for sexual dysfunction.
