4 Myths About Sexual Health
With so much information available about sexual health, it can be challenging to separate myths from facts. At Open Arms Real Choices Clinic, we are dedicated to empowering individuals through education. We offer confidential consultations, one-on-one mentorship, and group classes covering topics such as reproductive health, STI prevention, pregnancy options, and healthy relationships. Our goal is to equip you with accurate, evidence-based information so you can make informed decisions about your health.
Let’s debunk four common sexual health myths so you can make informed decisions about your well-being.
Myth #1: You Can’t Get an STD/STI If You Use a Condom
While condoms can reduce the risk of pregnancy and STIs, they are not 100% effective. Condoms can break, slip, or tear, potentially leading to pregnancy or infection. Additionally, some STIs—such as HPV, herpes, and syphilis—can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, even when using protection.
➡ Fact: The CDC reports that STIs cause infertility in approximately 24,000 women each year due to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)【1】.
Myth #2: You Can’t Get Pregnant on Your Period
Many believe that having sex during menstruation eliminates the risk of pregnancy, but this is not true. Sperm can live inside the female body for up to five days, meaning that if you ovulate shortly after your period, conception is still possible【2】.
➡ Fact: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) confirms that ovulation timing varies, making pregnancy possible even during menstruation【2】.
Myth #3: Oral Sex Is Safe Sex
Some people assume that oral sex carries no risk, but the truth is that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be transmitted through oral contact. Many STIs, including herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HPV, can infect the mouth and throat【3】.
➡ Fact: The CDC states that HPV-related oral cancers are increasing, and many STIs can be transmitted through oral sex without visible symptoms【3】.
Myth #4: The Withdrawal Method Prevents Pregnancy
The pull-out method (withdrawal) is one of the most unreliable forms of contraception. Pre-ejaculation fluid (pre-cum) can contain active sperm, which means that pregnancy can occur even if ejaculation happens outside the body.
➡ Fact: According to the Office on Women’s Health (OASH), withdrawal fails about 22% of the time, meaning that 1 in 5 couples using this method will experience an unintended pregnancy【4】.
The Truth About Sexual Health in Coeur d’Alene
Misinformation about sexual health can lead to unexpected consequences, but education empowers you to make informed choices. At Open Arms Real Choices Clinic, we provide free, confidential support, including STD/STI testing, pregnancy options counseling, and sexual health education in a compassionate, judgment-free setting.
If you have questions about sexual health in Coeur d’Alene, contact us today to schedule a free appointment. Your health and well-being matter, and we are here to help!
📞 Call us at 208.667.5433 or visit realchoicesclinic.com to learn more.
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Sources:
【1】Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “STDs & Infertility.” https://www.cdc.gov/std/infertility/default.htm
【2】American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), “Ovulation and Conception.” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-pregnancy-happens
【3】Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Oral Sex and STDs.” https://www.cdc.gov/std/healthcomm/stdfact-stdriskandoralsex.htm
【4】Office on Women’s Health (OASH), “Contraceptive Effectiveness.” https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/birth-control-methods
