[Content warning: sexual references]
We all know how abysmal sex education in schools can be. It’s an awkward subject to talk about, but it really shouldn’t be. This lack of cohesive understanding leads to the prevalence of ideas that are simply not true. So, here are just a few of my favourite myths.
Myth 1: Abstinence is a valid form of sexual education.
Those who teach abstinence essentially teach students that they shouldn’t have sex until
they are married, and often slut-shame. So why is this ineffective? Mainly because telling
horny and hormonal teenagers not have sex isn’t going to stop them from having sex. All this does is prevents them from having sex safely, and means that teenagers have no
knowledge of contraception and how to avoid STIs and teenage pregnancy.
Myth 2: Pouring Coca-Cola up your vagina will stop a pregnancy.
This is really not true. If you have sex without a condom and pour Coca-Cola up yourself,
you’re not going to prevent a pregnancy. Also, it’s just… really bad for you, so don’t do it.
Myth 3: The hymen as a signifier of virginity.
The hymen is a social construct created in order to control women and to assign a ‘value’ to her as well as being a way to ensure the legitimate passage of inheritance. But that’s all it is. Most often, sexual activity merely stretches a hymen.
Myth 4: If someone ejaculates, the sperm just disappears.
Yeah… that’s not how sperm works. Sperm can live 3-5 days in the uterus and in that time, it is still possible for them to fertilise an egg. Just use a condom, please.
Myth 5: People can’t get pregnant whilst they are on their period.
Whilst the odds are slightly lower, it all depends on an individual’s cycle. If the timing is really right, it is possible for sperm to wait out the period (because they can survive 3-5 days) and fertilise an egg.
If you are ever unsure about anything, it is really best to speak to a doctor. The internet is a good source of information, but you do have to be wary of where you are getting your information from.
The QMU Campaigns and Charities Committee runs a booth on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 12pm-4pm outside Venue, and gives out free condoms and menstrual products.
[Katerina Schwartz – she/her – @katpschwartz]
[Photo credit: Chris Timmins]
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