Myths about sexuality and contraception they have always existed, but it is hard to believe that in a developed society like ours there are still so many false ideas about it. This may be due to poor sexual education in the family and in schools, to which "word of mouth" joins.
That is, when children and young people are not "explained anything", they are informed through friends or friends and going to the Internet without requiring reliable sources, falling into forums that are more like a patio of neighbors than a doctor's office or family planning. Let's see seven common myths about sexuality and contraception that we don't want our children to believe.
And there is much ignorance on these issues, not only about contraception but about the body itself and about sexual health in general. Science does not always succeed in its desires to banish these myths and the taboo and not having possibilities of access to reliable information favors the perpetuation of these misconceptions.
While the girl has the rule, she can't get pregnant. According to a study recently conducted among young Spanish women, one in ten believes that you cannot get pregnant while you are menstruating. But ovulation may suffer irregularities (or bleeding may not be a true rule) and fertile days may be advanced. It is best not to trust this method.
Reverse or interrupted intercourse is an effective method of contraception. According to the same study mentioned above, 3% of the female population believes that it is an effective method to avoid getting pregnant in reverse, that is, that the man withdraw from the sexual coupling just before ejaculating. But it is known that man produces preseminal fluid (pre-ejaculatory fluid or preseminal fluid) that can contain sperm that reach the egg and fertilize it.
Use condoms only at the end of intercourse ensures contraception. For the same reason as the previous myth, this idea is false. If there is vaginal penetration, it is possible for some sperm to "escape" and reach the egg even before ejaculation. In addition, man is not always able to know the exact moment in which he will ejaculate.
The first time you have sex there can be no pregnancy. But neither the hymen nor possible bleeding prevents sperm from reaching the egg. If the woman is in her fertile days, even if it is her first sexual relationship, if there is ejaculation (or pre-ejaculation) in the vagina pregnancy could occur.
Have standing sex, wash or urinate after ejaculation Prevents pregnancy None of these practices is a contraceptive method. If there is vaginal penetration, any posture may be suitable for fertilization to occur. Once the semen has been introduced into the vagina, sperm will remain, even if some sperm may come out when changing positions or going to the bathroom after intercourse.
The contraceptive pill makes you fat and produces hair. These were more frequent side effects years ago, but today they have been minimized thanks to new preparations and dosages. Studies indicate that there is no evidence that modern low-dose pills cause weight gain. There are different combinations of hormones and preparations in case an unwanted effect is observed, you can try another option. It is an effective and safe method, although it does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
The condom breaks or punctures easily. You hear stories of this kind that have happened to a friend of a friend ... But in reality, if the condom is used well and has been kept in optimal condition, it fulfills its contraceptive function safely. In addition, its effectiveness must be viewed from a double perspective: contraception and protection against sexually transmitted diseases. According to the Pearl index, which is the most common statistical index to measure the effectiveness of contraceptive methods in clinical studies, proper use of the male condom offers 2% of pregnancies.
Our children, when the time comes and appropriate to their age, must receive the necessary information about sexuality, pregnancy and contraception. We cannot let it be a school task, but from the family nucleus we have to create a climate of trust and precision to prevent these myths from affecting the health of our children and causing unwanted pregnancies.
It might seem that it is a matter only of the girls, but nothing is further from the truth. Our sons must also be aware of their responsibilities in the sexual field and have the right to receive truthful information.
And if you are an adult and reading these lines has brought you some surprise, it is never too late to apply this knowledge and avoid unpleasant surprises.
In conclusion, remember that talking about sexuality with children is to prevent, since good information and banish myths about sexuality and contraceptives You can avoid unwanted pregnancies.
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