5 Sexual Health Myths Experts Want You to Stop Believing

When it comes to sexual health, separating fact from fiction isn’t always easy. Myths and misconceptions have been passed down through generations, perpetuated by outdated cultural beliefs, and even reinforced by misleading information online.

The problem? Believing these myths can actually harm your sexual wellbeing. Research shows that people who endorse sexuality myths often experience poorer sexual health outcomes . That’s why we’ve consulted medical experts and scientific research to debunk five of the most persistent sexual health myths once and for all.

Myth #1: “You Can Tell If Someone Has an STI Just by Looking at Them”

The Truth: Most STIs Have No Visible Symptoms

This myth is not only false—it’s potentially dangerous. The reality is that many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are asymptomatic, meaning they show no visible signs or symptoms .

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you absolutely cannot tell if someone has an STI just by looking at them . Many infections don’t cause any noticeable symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to get tested.

This misconception leads people to make assumptions about partners based on appearance, which can result in:

• Delayed testing and treatment
• Unknowingly transmitting infections to others
• Long-term health complications

The takeaway: Regular STI testing is essential for anyone who is sexually active—regardless of whether you or your partner have symptoms. As the CDC emphasizes, not all medical checkups include STI testing. Unless you ask to be tested, you can’t assume you have been .

Myth #2: “Long-Term Birth Control Pill Use Causes Infertility”

The Truth: Hormonal Contraception Does Not Affect Future Fertility

This myth has caused unnecessary anxiety for generations of women. The concern is understandable—if you’ve been taking something for years, it’s natural to worry about long-term effects.

But the science is clear: long-term use of contraceptive pills does not affect women’s chances of getting pregnant later . A large-scale Danish study from 2013 concluded exactly this .

While some women may experience a temporary delay in fertility after stopping the pill, there is no evidence that it reduces their overall chances of conceiving . According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), menstruation typically resumes within three months of stopping hormonal contraception .

Factors that actually affect fertility include:

• Age
• Underlying health conditions
• Lifestyle factors like smoking and weight

The takeaway: You can use hormonal contraception with confidence, knowing it won’t permanently impact your ability to have children when you’re ready.

Myth #3: “Frequent Ejaculation Drains Your Vitality”

The Truth: Regular Ejaculation May Actually Benefit Men’s Health

This ancient myth—that frequent ejaculation weakens men physically or mentally—has persisted for centuries across many cultures . It’s simply not supported by science.

In fact, research suggests the opposite may be true. The Harvard Ejaculation Study, which has collected data on men for many years, found that adult men who ejaculate 21 or more times per month appear to have a lower risk of prostate cancer . This includes ejaculation through intercourse, masturbation, and nocturnal emissions.

Medical experts confirm that masturbation is a healthy, no-cost way to relieve sexual tension, contrary to the guilt and misinformation implanted by outdated beliefs .

The takeaway: Far from being harmful, regular ejaculation is a normal, healthy part of male sexuality that may offer protective health benefits.

Myth #4: “Withdrawal (Pulling Out) Is Nearly as Effective as Condoms”

The Truth: Withdrawal Has a Much Higher Failure Rate

Many couples rely on withdrawal (coitus interruptus) as their primary form of contraception, believing it’s reasonably effective. The numbers tell a different story.

According to UNFPA, withdrawal is only 80-85% effective with typical use . By comparison, condoms are 98% effective with perfect use and 82% effective with typical use .

Several factors make withdrawal unreliable:

• Pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm
• It requires perfect timing and self-control
• Even small amounts of semen can lead to pregnancy

The takeaway: While withdrawal is better than nothing, it shouldn’t be your primary method if preventing pregnancy is important to you. Consider combining it with another method, or switch to more reliable options.

Myth #5: “Genital Herpes Is Only Contagious During Outbreaks”

The Truth: Herpes Can Be Transmitted Even Without Symptoms

This myth creates a false sense of security. Many people believe that if they have no visible sores, they can’t pass the virus to partners. Unfortunately, that’s incorrect.

According to medical experts, you can transmit genital herpes even if you don’t have any symptoms and you use a condom . This happens through a process known as viral shedding, where the virus is shed from skin and mucosa not covered by a condom .

While antiviral medication can reduce viral shedding and transmission risk, it’s still possible to pass the virus without symptoms.

The takeaway: Open communication with partners about herpes status is essential, even between outbreaks. If you have herpes, discuss your status with potential partners and explore treatment options with a healthcare provider.

Bonus Fact: Condoms Don’t Just Prevent Pregnancy—They Protect Lives

The CDC reminds us that condoms are the only form of contraception that can protect against both pregnancy and STIs, including HIV . Using condoms correctly from start to finish significantly reduces your risk.

And here’s some good news: modern understanding of HIV has evolved. The U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) message, backed by extensive research, confirms that people with HIV who have a sustained undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit the virus . This scientific breakthrough has important implications for reducing stigma and improving quality of life for people living with HIV.

The Bottom Line

Sexual health myths persist because they’re often passed down as “common knowledge.” But common knowledge isn’t always correct—and when it comes to your health, accuracy matters.

Your action plan:

1. Get tested regularly – STI testing is quick, simple, and often free 
2. Ask questions – If something sounds questionable, consult reputable sources or healthcare providers
3. Talk openly – Conversations with partners about sexual health can bring you closer and keep you both safer 
4. Use protection consistently – Condoms provide dual protection against pregnancy and STIs

As the UNFPA notes, being able to openly and respectfully discuss contraceptive and sexual health options is an important part of a healthy relationship . These conversations may seem hard to have, but they’re essential to staying healthy and stopping the spread of infections .

Remember: When it comes to sexual health, knowledge isn’t just power—it’s protection.