Teen Sexuality: Debunking Common Misconceptions

For many teens, there are a number of myths and misconceptions about sex, STDs and getting pregnant. Below, you will find some of the most commonly spread myths as well as the truths in each circumstance.

MYTH: All your friends are having sex.

FACT: It’s unlikely that all of your friends are having sex just as it’s unlikely that “everyone in your school is doing it.” While it’s true that some teens are sexually active (some estimates say one in ten), the majority of high school students are still virgins.

MYTH: Oral sex isn’t sex.

FACT: Sexual activity includes oral sex, vaginal sex and anal sex. Whenever there is sexual content, you are having sex.

MYTH: If you’re a virgin, everyone will be able to tell.

FACT: Unless you make an effort to tell everyone that you’re a virgin, advertise on a billboard or wear your status as a badge, no one will be able to tell one way or another.

MYTH: Sex is always going to be just the way it looks on TV and in the movies.

FACT: The entertainment industry is all about creating an ideal - something that everyone can escape to. The sex you see in movies and on TV is choreographed and idealized and many people do not have that sort of  sexual experience.

MYTH: You can’t get pregnant the first time that you have sex.

FACT: If you have a menstrual cycle, whether or not you are a virgin it is possible for you to get pregnant.

MYTH: You can’t get pregnant if you have sex while you’re on your period.

FACT: Most teens’ bodies are still trying to find the right balance of hormones and establishing a menstrual cycle. While those women with a regular menstrual cycle are unlikely to become pregnant while they have their period, it is possible.

MYTH: Sex is better without a condom.

FACT: The only way that you can be sure to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy is to practice safe sex. While there are other methods available for preventing pregnancy, condoms are the most effective option for stopping the spread of STDs.

MYTH: If the guy “pulls out” you won’t get pregnant.

FACT: Sperm are present not only when a guy ejaculates but also in his pre-ejaculate fluids; even if the guy withdraws before he climaxes, there is a risk of pregnancy.

MYTH: It takes more than once to get an STD.

FACT: Whenever you have sexual contact with someone who has a sexually transmitted disease or infection, there is a chance that you will contract it - this includes HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

MYTH: You can’t get pregnant if you have sex standing up.

FACT: Gravity doesn’t have an effect on the ability of sperm to “swim” toward the cervix to fertilize an egg.

MYTH: You can’t get pregnant if you douche after sex.

FACT: Douching is not effective for destroying sperm or preventing pregnancy.