Perhaps your mother told you everything you know about your sexual health, or your friend whispered them into your ear during recess. Maybe your college roommate told you a thing or two. Regardless of where the information came from, you hold these myths very close to your heart. But have you corroborated these myths?
There are many myths that pertain to the female sexual health that may be innocuous, or harmful for women. Hence, knowing if these myths are based in fact, or are completely bogus is important.
Myths about female sexual health
Contraception can cause infertility
A big misconception that pertains to the sexual health is that contraception can cause infertility. A dangerous myth, it dissuades the use of safety measures that protects women from not just sexually transmitted infections, but unplanned pregnancy as well.
As your gynecologist will also tell you, contraception does not lead to infertility. It can cause changes to your cycle, if the contraception is hormonal, and when you get off, your cycle might take some time to become regular. However, it certainly does not mean that you will have infertility.
And in case you have issues with using hormonal, you can always consider physical ones like diaphragm or condoms.
Some men cannot wear condoms
There are condoms for every penis size, rest assured. So, if your partner claims that they cannot fit into the condom, ask them to get a different size, rather than forgoing it altogether.
Condoms are helpful for not just preventing pregnancy, but they also protect against STIs. Moreover, there are now different materials available as well, so if your partner claims latex allergy, they can always try other ones.
You can use two condoms together for extra precaution
To be fair, being extra careful is helpful in most situations, but not when using two condoms; that is counter intuitive. Using two condoms creates more friction, which can then lead to the condom breaking, and your nightmare unfolding.
So, use only one condom at a time, but be careful in putting it on so that your chances of an accident are minimized.
You cannot get pregnant when you have sex on your period
Many women also think they can have unprotected sex on their period. Newsflash, nope. Sperm can stay viable for up to five days, and so, it can happen that fertilization takes place. So, take precautions when on your period as well.
Women are not supposed to want sex
Another myth that is rampant is that women do not have a big desire for sex, or its variant that men have a more active sex life. Both the variants have the same bottom line; women are not supposed to want sex.
However, none of it is true. Of course, your desire changes as per the hormones, but it does not mean that women cannot want to have sex. It not only serves to shame those who want sex and edify the belief that women and sex are not supposed to go together.
And if you feel your sex drive is running low, it may be a sign of hypoactive sexual desire disorder, which needs treatment from a doctor.
You can prevent pregnancy post unprotected sex by douching
Douching refers to an extensive cleaning of the vagina. Some women are under the impression that if they douche and thus by extension, get the semen out, after they have had unprotected sex, they can prevent pregnancy.
However, this technique is anything but accurate. Penis goes deeper into the vagina, and semen can move fast. And remember, there are a lot of sperms in a drop of semen, and you only need one to fertilize an egg. So, douche all you want, it will not prevent a pregnancy. A safe bet is using contraception.
Pap smears are only for checking STIs
Pap smears are not pleasant, admittedly, but they are very useful for screening for certain cancers and checking if everything is okay in the nether regions.
Hence, they are imperative for health, but women who buy into the myth that they are only for those suspecting STIs then forgo these essential scans. It can then prevent the timely treatment of many issues. Therefore, do consult gynecologist in Karachi for pap smears and similar routine checkups.
