Over the years sexual education has slowly stepped out of the shadows. Still, people don’t always talk about it openly, which leaves plenty of old myths floating about. Some are harmless, others can be quietly damaging. So here, I want to tease apart a few of the most common ones. Not as a stern teacher, more like a friend who’d rather you were armed with truth than caught out by rumour.
Sex burns calories
I know — it feels like a workout. But sadly, it won’t replace your jog around the park. A half-hour run will burn far more than a long evening in bed. Does it feel nicer? Absolutely. But as a fitness plan, it doesn’t quite stack up.
Full-body orgasms
Yes, they’re possible. No, not everyone will experience them. They’re less a neat trick and more a journey — patience, time, sometimes a solo exploration. If you’ve never had one, it doesn’t mean something is wrong. It just means your body has its own rhythm.
The first time
Forget the story about “popping a cherry”. Virginity myths are mostly cultural baggage. Pregnancy is possible from the very first encounter, and pain isn’t a certainty. With patience, trust, and communication, the first time can be gentle, even joyful. Some people don’t bleed at all.
You can see STIs
If only it were that easy. Many infections show no visible signs, which is why testing is so important. A rash could be something as simple as irritation, while something serious may leave no mark at all.
Oral sex is safe
Not entirely. STIs can be passed on during oral contact, which is why protection is still wise. It’s a softer myth to believe — and a dangerous one.
The G-spot isn’t real
Debates still run in medical journals, but most people agree that some areas feel more sensitive than others. Whether you call it the G-spot or not, pleasure isn’t about finding one magic button. It’s about paying attention to how your partner responds.
Morning-after pills
The name is misleading. You don’t need to grab one within 24 hours or panic. Most can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex, though sooner is always better. It’s there to reduce risk, not erase it.
Size matters
One of the most enduring myths. Confidence, communication, and connection carry far more weight. In fact, being very large can sometimes make comfort more difficult. What matters is how well two people read each other’s bodies.
HIV myths
HIV doesn’t discriminate. It isn’t limited to one group of people, and it certainly can’t be caught through everyday contact like hugs, kisses, or sharing a home. What matters is protection with new partners and awareness of how it is actually transmitted.
Casual sex
There’s nothing inherently disrespectful about choosing casual encounters. Some people find freedom there; others crave commitment. One doesn’t cancel out the other. Respect lies in honesty, boundaries, and mutual choice.
Planned sex
Scheduled intimacy might sound unromantic, but for busy couples it can actually help. Anticipation can heighten desire, and it gives space to talk about what you both want. Sometimes planning makes spontaneity easier to find.
Unprotected myths
Withdrawal isn’t safe. Pregnancy can happen during a period. Water doesn’t magically protect against infection. In fact, it can increase risk. And yes, pre-ejaculate can contain sperm. Protection isn’t just a rule; it’s a safeguard.
💌 Sophia Hart’s Intimacy Note
Myths have a way of slipping into our bedrooms without invitation. I’ve learnt over the years that clarity is far more seductive than confusion. The truth rarely ruins the magic — if anything, it frees you to lean into intimacy without the quiet hum of worry in the background.