MYTH № 1. PENIS SIZE IS CRUCIAL FOR AN ACTIVE SEXUAL LIFE
During the Middle Ages, wealthy men in European cities would carry their purses with coins slightly below their waist while going to the market. This location prevented pickpockets from discreetly cutting off the purse. Observing the size of a man’s purse below the waist, women could judge his wealth – the thicker the purse, the richer the man was considered to be. As men were the ones who paid for any goods or services since women were deprived of property rights, these purses were jokingly referred to as the “male dignity”. Thus, the size of a man’s penis played no role in this concept.
Centuries later, the era of capitalism replaced coins with banknotes and leather wallets with billfolds. Wealthy men no longer displayed their savings openly but kept them hidden in the inner pocket of their jacket. However, the notion that women swoon over men with large genitals transformed into a baseless myth, still believed by many men today. The image of a purse covering the penis overlaid the actual organ. As a result, there are always men in the world searching in their web browsers “how to enlarge the penis at home”.
In reality as asserted by the authors of the reputable scientific journal “BJU International”, the average length of a male penis in an erect state is approximately 13.1 centimeters. For some men, it may be a millimeter longer, for others, slightly shorter, but overall, this figure is universal.
Yet, the world is full of charlatans selling “unique exercise complexes” or “miracle pills” to increase penis size, but none of these methods have any impact on the male organ. The only way to enlarge the genital organ is through a painful surgical procedure, after which the man might find it difficult to walk.
The outrageous foolishness of this myth lies in the fact that for women, penis size holds no significance whatsoever. Much more important to them is not the length of the penis but the ability of its owner to display tenderness and sensitivity.
MYTH № 2. MASTURBATION IS HARMFUL TO HEALTH
From late antiquity until the Second World War masturbation was considered a serious illness. It was claimed that young boys who masturbated excessively would go blind, become impotent, and grow hair on their palms. Although there was no experimental evidence to support these theories, there were doctors who prescribed castration for boys and clitoral removal for girls caught in this act, all in an effort to protect adolescents from inevitable madness.
However, in the second half of the 20th century, when scientists began researching masturbation, they quickly found that it was a normal expression of sexual activity that did not affect hair growth on palms, penis size reduction, or curvature. Similarly, women do not experience any decrease in sexual desire due to regular self-gratification. For them, it is merely an additional way to achieve sexual pleasure.
Although the archaic beliefs about the dangers of masturbation to health have long been debunked, it is still important to recognize that excessive masturbation can negatively impact one’s sexual life. It is more accurate to say that an obsession with masturbation can lead to a lack of a fulfilling sexual life. When individuals are excessively focused on pornography and self-gratification, they may develop a fear of seeking a partner and engaging in real-life sexual experiences. Instead of nurturing relationships and trying to please others, those who excessively masturbate may isolate themselves and remain lonely. Therefore, it can be confidently stated that an interest in masturbation does not pose a threat to a person’s physical health, but over time, it can cause serious harm to their mental well-being.
MYTH № 3. A TRUE ORGASM IS THE “LITTLE DEATH”
Men who do not lead a passionate sexual life often believe that only a real “macho” who has conquered dozens of women can bring their partner to orgasm. If your “love list” does not include at least a hundred such conquests, you are considered a failure. Furthermore, orgasm is deemed the ultimate goal of a sexual life. At the moment of climax, a woman is believed to experience a sort of “death” and then “resurrection”. If a woman does not experience this feeling every night, then she cannot truly be happy.
The foolishness of this myth is exposed as soon as a man or woman meets someone with whom they feel comfortable and want to spend the rest of their life. It quickly becomes evident that not every sexual encounter needs to end in an orgasm. Furthermore, an orgasm is not necessarily accompanied by wild screams, as depicted in pornographic films. Many men experience the pinnacle of sexual satisfaction silently, and women can achieve orgasm not solely through deep penetration but also through tender caresses.
Therefore, when with a partner in bed, one should not strive for the “little death” at all costs or chastise themselves for a lack of a tumultuous sexual past. Instead, it’s essential to show more tenderness and enjoy the beautiful moments.
MYTH № 4. THERE IS A CORRELATION BETWEEN PENIS SIZE, NOSE, PALM, AND FOOT SIZE
For a long time it was believed that men with long noses, wide palms, or large feet also had a longer penis. In reality, almost all men have penises of approximately the same length during an erection – around 13 centimeters. No matter how much researchers have investigated, they have not found any evidence linking the size of a man’s genital organ to the size of their feet, hands, or nose.
MYTH № 5. IF A MAN CONSUMES A LOT OF SWEETS, HIS SEMEN WILL TASTE SWEET
There was once a belief that if a man frequently consumes meat with blood or citrus fruits, his semen will become acidic. If a man regularly drinks pineapple juice, his semen will taste sweeter, while whiskey, coffee, and cigarettes will make it bitter or salty.
In reality, this myth has not been scientifically proven. Many urologists assert that the taste of seminal fluid is not influenced by a man’s dietary or beverage preferences. The composition of semen consists of a constant mixture of components necessary for the viability of sperm. Therefore, no amount of pineapple juice will turn semen into a piñacolada!
MYTH № 6. FIRST-TIME SEX IS ALWAYS PAINFUL
It was believed that the breaking of the hymen causes pain in every girl, but it only lasts briefly. The important thing is to endure it, and afterward, partners will only experience pleasure.
In reality, not every first sexual experience is accompanied by pain. If pain does occur and does not subside, the reason lies not in the hymen breaking but rather in partners rushing due to inexperience. Before the vaginal tissue ruptures, the girl needs to relax, leading to increased lubrication. With proper lubrication, there should be no pain during the first sexual intercourse.
There can be other reasons for pain during first-time sex. For example, the vaginal opening might be too narrow for the partner’s penis. In such cases, enduring the pain is not advisable; instead, it’s best to seek medical advice. A small surgical incision can make sexual life harmonious for partners in the future.
Instead of fearing the breaking of the hymen, it’s better to show more attention and care towards each other. In doing so, the first time can serve as the beginning of a long and beautiful relationship!
MYTH № 7. PULLING OUT BEFORE EJACULATION PREVENTS PREGNANCY
This myth was used to reassure men and women back in the days when buying condoms was cumbersome and costly. In reality, the withdrawal method has never been an effective form of contraception because some amount of sperm is released even at the beginning of sex.
MYTH № 8. MEN THINK ABOUT SEX EVERY 7 SECONDS
It is unclear where this number originated, but in 2011, when researchers from Ohio State University (USA) conducted a large-scale survey of 120 men and 163 women, they found that, on average, men think about sex 19 times a day, while women think about it 10 times. This experiment vividly demonstrated that the number of thoughts about intimate closeness is not dependent on gender but rather on a person’s attitude towards sexual activity.
MYTH № 9. SEXUAL ACTIVITY BURNS A LOT OF CALORIES
In reality the number of calories burned depends on the duration of the sexual act. For instance, during an average sexual act lasting six minutes, a person loses 21 kilocalories, whereas in 12 minutes, it’s 42 kilocalories. So, if someone truly wants to lose weight, it’s beneficial not only to think about sex but also to engage in physical exercises and stop eating after 5 p.m.
MYTH № 10. SEX CAN CAUSE A HEART ATTACK
This myth comforts men in old age when sexual activity decreases due to various reasons. In reality, as numerous scientific studies indicate, men who engage in sex once a month are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases than those who have sexual intercourse twice a week. The physical stress on the heart during sex is comparable to the stress experienced during regular daily activities. The body’s condition during sexual activity can be likened to climbing several flights of stairs: the pulse increases to 110–130 beats per minute, and systolic blood pressure rises to 150–180 millimeters of mercury. Such levels do not present significant risks for individuals with cardiovascular diseases.
MYTH № 11. SEX POSITIONS AND OBJECTS UNDER THE PILLOW CAN INFLUENCE THE GENDER OF THE CHILD
For a long time, it was believed that the “missionary” position increases the chances of conceiving a boy, while the “cowgirl” position leads to having a girl. Additionally, there was a superstition that placing a knife under the pillow would result in a boy, and scissors would bring a girl. In reality, different sex positions during intercourse only affect the pleasure experienced by partners, and the gender of the child can only be influenced by the presence or absence of a Y chromosome. To determine the gender of a child, there are more reliable methods, such as blood tests, amniocentesis, or ultrasound.
MYTH № 12. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIS) SHOW IMMEDIATE SYMPTOMS
In reality common infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes often show no symptoms for a long time. Not every infection is immediately apparent and easy to detect. If there are suspicions of an STI, it is best to consult a doctor promptly. The best way to prevent STIs is through condom use. However, if a condom is not available, antiseptics such as chlorhexidine, miramistin, or desmistan can be used, which can be found in any pharmacy. Many young people refuse to use condoms, thinking that it diminishes sensation and reduces pleasure. In such cases, they can use ultra-thin condoms that are nearly imperceptible.
STIs can be difficult to handle, so one should never neglect the safety of their sexual life.
MYTH № 13. PEOPLE DO NOT MASTURBATE WHEN THEY ARE IN COMMITTED RELATIONSHIPS
In reality masturbation like serious relationships, is purely an individual choice. Partners can be in a long-term relationship with serious plans for the future, but then one of them may go on a long business trip to the other side of the country or even to another continent. Does this mean that their partner will not masturbate during this period? It depends solely on habits and sexual activity levels. Some couples even practice mutual masturbation, claiming that it strengthens trust and brings them closer together.
MYTH № 14. DOUCHING AFTER SEX PREVENTS UNWANTED PREGNANCY
In ancient Rome, the most reliable contraceptive method was believed to be a woman squatting and releasing gas immediately after intercourse. Later, this ritual was replaced by douching or rinsing after unprotected sex. In reality, neither passing gas, douching, nor rinsing will protect against unwanted pregnancy. Much more effective contraceptive methods are available!
MYTH № 15. WOMEN TAKE SEX MUCH MORE SERIOUSLY THAN MEN
In the popular book by renowned American journalist Daniel Bergner “What Do Women Want? Adventures in the Science of Female Desire” it is claimed that, according to numerous anonymous surveys, women view sex without excessive emotional attachments and desire it no less than men do. The problem lies in the fact that sexually active women were derogatorily labeled as “women with reduced social responsibility” for a long time. The fear of such offensive labels prevented women from expressing sexual interest in the opposite sex.
MYTH № 16. HAVING FREQUENT CHANGES OF SEXUAL PARTNERS LEADS TO DEPRESSION
In reality depression after sex (initially known as post-coital dysphoria, characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness, irritability, and apathy) is not related to the number of sexual contacts. The only thing that frequent changes of sexual partners can influence is an increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If a person experiences depression, its roots usually lie not in the sphere of sexual life but in work-related problems, unresolved conflicts with close people, traumatic memories, etc. Therefore, changing partners is not the solution, and it is better to seek help from a specialist.
MYTH № 17. OYSTERS AND CHOCOLATE ENHANCE SEXUAL AROUSAL
These attributes are often woven into the fabric of fictional narratives in books or movies with erotic content. In reality, there is no scientific evidence to confirm this fact. Partly, this myth is associated with the fact that oysters visually resemble certain intimate parts of a woman’s body, which may arouse some men. Chocolate stimulates the production of serotonin in the brain, which improves mood. In a good mood, people are much more likely to engage in sex. However, it does not mean that these foods can arouse everyone.
MYTH № 18. THE LONGER THE SEX LASTS, THE HIGHER THE CHANCE OF EXPERIENCING AN ORGASM
In reality each person has a completely individual experience. One person may achieve orgasm in 10 minutes, while another may need several hours. Moreover, achieving orgasm is not the primary goal of sex; much more important is the pleasure from the quality process. Therefore, there is no need to prolong the sexual act, as one partner may become bored, while the other may experience discomfort.
MYTH № 19. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO HAVE SEX DURING MENSTRUATION
There are no contraindications that prohibit having sex during menstruation. The only thing that may bother some is the drops of blood on the sheets. However, if both partners are okay with it, they can enjoy sexual pleasures during this time. Scientifically, it has been established that sex during menstruation can help some women alleviate pain. However, this does not mean that condoms can be omitted – menstruation does not protect against unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.
