Will a Sex Ban Boost Your Love Life? Is Bigger Better? We Debunk Sex Myths
As children, our ideas about sex often emerged from a confusing mix of unrealistic films and sex education at school.
It is therefore not surprising that much of what we know is only a mixture of half-truths and myths.
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This week, social psychologist Dr. Justin Lehmiller debunked a major belief: banning sex before major events among football players and Olympic athletes would improve their performance… in their favorite sport.
Dr Lehmiller told a BBC podcast: “It’s a myth. A lot of it is based on superstition.”
Do you remember the sex ban England manager Fabio Capello imposed on his players during the 2010 World Cup?
Or those ‘anti-sex’ beds made of flimsy cardboard in the Olympic Village in Paris this year?
It’s all based on outdated beliefs and not on facts.
Sex is often surrounded by myths that can lead to misunderstandings, misinformation and unhealthy attitudes towards the act.
In this article, Sun Sexpert Georgette Culley discusses other common sex myths – and gives the real facts.
MYTH: SEX TOYS ARE CHEATING
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FACT: Many women secretly use them because their boyfriends get jealous and think it’s ‘cheating’.
Sex toys can strengthen your relationship, not destroy it.
Considering that 75-90 percent of women cannot reach orgasm from penetration alone, a vibrator can be a huge help in getting many of them across the finish line.
So ladies, instead of feeling guilty, why not invite your partner to join in?
It’s all about maximizing pleasure and keeping the spark alive in the bedroom.
MYTH: MEN THINK ABOUT SEX ALL THE TIME
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FACT: It’s true that men think about sex a lot, but the old idea that they think about it “every seven seconds” is an exaggeration.
Research shows that on average, men think about sex more often than women.
But this varies greatly from person to person.
Some men think about sex several times a day, while others think about it less often.
MYTH: SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IS RARE IN WOMEN
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FACT: Between 30 and 50 percent of sexually active women suffer from sexual dysfunction.
This may include complaints such as low libido, difficulty achieving an orgasm and pain during sex.
These problems are much more common than many people realize and can have serious consequences for a woman’s relationships and well-being.
Don’t suffer in silence: the right medical and therapeutic support is key to improving your sexual health and satisfaction.
MYTH: ERECTION PROBLEMS ONLY OCCUR IN MEN OVER 70
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FACT: Although erectile dysfunction is more common in older men, it can occur at any age.
One in four men who suffer from erectile dysfunction is under 40. A quarter of men are in their twenties.
Erectile dysfunction in men can be caused by a number of factors, including low testosterone, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression and anxiety.
In younger men, psychological problems such as performance anxiety are the most likely cause.
MYTH: PORN IS JUST LIKE REAL SEX
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FACT: Mainstream porn, let alone extreme versions, often depicts unrealistic scenarios, body types, and behaviors.
Relying on porn as a source of sex education can lead to distorted perceptions and false expectations.
But not all porn is bad.
Ethical porn, sometimes called feminist porn, offers a more realistic portrayal of female pleasure and can be a valuable resource.
It was designed with permission and authenticity in mind, making it a great resource for anyone looking to learn new techniques or find inspiration.
MYTH: SEX DRIVE DECREASES AS YOU GET OLDER
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FACT: Sexual desire in women does not disappear after menopause.
Although desire can change with age, it does not go away for everyone.
In fact, many women report having better sex later in life.
Why? With age comes confidence – women know what they want and aren’t afraid to ask for it.
So menopause does not mean the end of a satisfying sex life.
And for many, this is just the beginning of their best years in bed.
MYTH: SEX TALKS CHANGE THE MOOD
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FACT: Many couples are too shy to talk about their desires, but communication is the secret to a happy sex life.
Research shows that couples who talk openly about their desires, boundaries and preferences in bed have better sex and a stronger relationship.
Talking about your likes and dislikes creates greater understanding and intimacy, strengthening your bond both inside and outside the bedroom.
MYTH: BIGGER IS ALWAYS BETTER
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FACT: As the saying goes, “It’s the motion of the ocean that matters, not the size of the boat.”
Most of the nerve endings in the vagina are located in the first few centimeters, so size is not as important as is often thought.
Technology, emotional connection and communication play a major role.
Interestingly, what women consider the “right” size varies depending on the situation and the person.
Although many women prefer a penis of about 6 inches when erect, this does not mean that this is the case for everyone.
It’s about what feels good for you and your partner.
