FYI

The Four Biggest Sex Myths
From Glamour

Imagine spending eight hours a day thinking and talking about sex. That’s Debby Herbenick’s job as a Ph.D. and sex educator for The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University in Bloomington. One of her most surprising discoveries? How many sexual misconceptions even smart, experienced women still have. Here, Herbenick corrects four major myths that could hurt your sex life.

Myth #1: Men can’t fake orgasms

“They can and do. In a University of Kansas study, 25 percent of men admitted to faking it—some even did it during oral sex. No, guys can’t falsify ejaculation, but they can fake their moans and movements. Why do they? Like women, they are tired, stressed or simply having difficulty climaxing but want their partner to feel good about the experience.”

Myth #2: Oral sex is 100% safe

“HIV transmission through oral sex is rare—but you can get STDs like oral gonorrhea and herpes. And a new study found that women who’ve had six or more oral sex partners are more likely to get oral cancer, probably due to infection by human papillomavirus, the virus that causes cervical cancer. Using a condom—try a flavored one—can help protect you.”

Myth #3: You can’t have sex when you’re very, very pregnant

“Unless your doctor vetoes it, you can have sex right up until you go into labor. In fact, research has shown that it may lower the risk of preterm delivery. Some women even have their first orgasms while pregnant, perhaps due to changing hormone levels. Positions are key, though: Many pregnant women find spooning and woman-on-top are best.”

Myth #4: Women masturbate only when they’re single

“Not true! In a recent study, more than 40 percent of women who were living with a partner said they’d masturbated within the last month. And there’s a bonus: Women who masturbate often report having more satisfying sex with their guys than women who don’t.”