It’s not surprising that so many myths circulate about sexual health. It’s one of the most awkward things to talk about with parents and doctors — the two people who you usually trust to give you reliable info. As long as people think talking about sex and sexual health is “taboo,” myths about sexual health will continue to thrive.
We asked ob/gyns about the most common sexual health myths they hear — and the ones that make them cringe the most. It’s time to put these sexual health myths to bed.
References
American Sexual Health Association. (n.d.). HPV: Myths & facts.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). What do my cervical cancer screening test results mean?
Nemours Foundation. (2020). Can I get pregnant if my periods are irregular?
Why trust our experts?
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MALauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Reviewed by:
Karen Hovav, MD, FAAPKaren Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.
