College Park myth busters

When it comes to sex, there are a lot of myths, and telling fact from fiction isn’t always easy.

The Diamondback interviewed Alli Matson, the coordinator of sexual health education programs at the University Health Center, to confirm and bust the following myths about sex.

MYTH: Using two condoms is better than one.

BUSTED: That’s false. The “double-bagging” effect or even one male and female condom rubbing against each other will cause breakage because of the friction of latex against latex or polyurethane.

MYTH: Oral sex is risky only for the giver.

BUSTED: I wish more people knew how risky it really is. Is there more risk for the giver? Possibly. If the giver has oral herpes, for example, it is more risky for the receiver. It depends case by case.

MYTH: Anti-depressants decrease your sex drive.

BUSTED/CONFIRMED: That’s part myth, part fact. Some are known to decrease the libido, some do not. Some people think that it always does, but some can actually increase your libido. It’s relevant to the person and the medication.

MYTH: Olive oil works as a lubricant, even when using a condom.

BUSTED/CONFIRMED: Oil-based lubricants will break down condoms but work as lubricants. All oil-based lubricants, like massage oil, olive oil and visco, will break a condom. And depending on the friction, it could happen quickly.

MYTH: Pulling out is effective for preventing STIs and/or pregnancy.

BUSTED: Lots of people think so, but problems can occur prior to ejaculation, like pre-cum, which can still contain STIs and sperm.

And sometimes males are not good judges of when it’s going to happen.

Orgasm and ejaculation are different things. Pull out in addition to using a condom so your partner is exposed to less bodily fluids.

MYTH: Spermicide (a substance that, when inserted into the vagina, blocks the cervix so sperm cannot reach an egg) alone is effective in preventing pregnancy.

BUSTED: I would not recommend using spermicide alone to prevent pregnancy. Thirty out of 100 times at actual use rate, you’re going to get pregnant. It can be effective for women who use it consistently but with a condom.

Also, with spermicide, both males and females can have allergic reactions. You don’t know if it’ll happen until it does. And that can cause your cells to swell, opening your cells and increasing your chance of getting sexually transmitted infections.

Use a test patch before using inserting spermicide.

MYTH: You can have safe sex in a pool or hot tub using a condom and/or spermicide.

BUSTED: First of all, there is no such thing as safe sex. A couple things: A condom is more protective than if you did not use it, but in water, water is being forced around certain areas and seepage of liquid from inside the condom can occur outside the condom and into the pool water.

And spermicide can’t stay in the vaginal cavity in water — it comes off.

MYTH: You can get HIV from oral sex.

CONFIRMED: You can get any STI from oral sex, but you’re not as likely to get HIV from oral sex than from anal or vaginal sex.

MYTH: Rimming (anal-oral sex) is without risk.

BUSTED: You should utilize some barrier, like non-microwavable plastic wrap or dental dams (rubber sheets of latex). You can pass Hepatitis A, E. coli and other factors without protection.

MYTH: Lube causes condoms to slip away.

BUSTED: There are a couple reasons why condoms slip away, but it’s not because of lube — if the male loses his erection and does not realize it or if the condom is too large. But lubricant causes condoms to be slippery, which is a good thing. Lubricated condoms may last 15 minutes, and the vagina by that time will be naturally lubricating, but there are many reasons why she wouldn’t be — if she’s had alcohol or used drugs, for example.
And if it’s penis to anus, the anus doesn’t lubricate. Use lube.

MYTH: If it’s your first time you don’t need to use a condom. It’s safe and you probably won’t conceive.

BUSTED: Lot’s of people get pregnant their first time. It’s about the actual act and how you’re engaged — not who you are, but what you do.

MYTH: Briefs lower a guy’s sperm count; boxers don’t.

CONFIRMED: There hasn’t been scientific research done on this, but briefs keep testes closer to the body and testes need to lower and rise to maintain the proper temperature for sperm, so that sperm will form.

Unless briefs are a couple sizes too small, it probably won’t be an issue. But if you’re a couple trying to conceive and are having infertility issues, if briefs make you worry, just wear boxers.

MYTH: Douching is effective.

BUSTED: The vagina takes care of its own business. Pumping a place that already regulates its pH puts things off. After sex, if you use it, it will probably push any sperm further in, making conceiving more likely. Douching equals bad.

MYTH: Plan B can be used as an abortion pill.

BUSTED: Plan B can prevent pregnancy, but when you’re already pregnant, it will do nothing.

MYTH: It’s possible to have clean sex.

BUSTED: One of my least favorite words when it comes to sex is “clean.” Good, he took a shower, but clean means nothing. You won’t know if someone’s infected with an STI unless you get tested, and frequently — not seven years ago.

ga@umdbk.com