The top 5 sex myths we still think are true

Flic Everett
Couple smiling in bed to depict an article about sex education. (Getty Images)
Sex education goes well into adulthood, according to research. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

The fumbling days of your teen years may be long gone but research shows there are a few lingering myths the nation is still confused over when it comes to sex.

In the hope of helping Britain gen up on sexual health, Lovehoney ran a survey, revealing the most prevalent sex myths in the UK. Judging by the research, it’s clear there's no shortage of sexual misinformation circulating.

Here, sex expert Ness Cooper from The Sex Consultant debunks the top five most commonly believed sex myths in the UK.

Couple lying in bed (Getty Images)
It's never too late to learn about sex. (Getty Images) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The top 5 sex myths believed by Brits

1. ‘Erectile dysfunction is a normal part of growing older and you just have to live with it’

Man in black jeans covering his crotch with his hands, closeup. Men
Is erectile dysfunction inevitable? (Getty Images) (bob_sato_1973 via Getty Images)

Believed by a third (34%) of Brits

"Almost 70% of men/those with penises will experience erectile dysfunction by the time they are 70," says Cooper. "However, we shouldn’t classify it as normal, as there are many reasons it can affect an individual and these can vary from person to person."

"Anyone experiencing erectile issues should see a medical professional to find out the cause. Once the cause of erectile dysfunction is found whether that is psychological, physical, or a mixture of both, there are many treatment methods to help manage symptoms."

Never assume a sexual problem is inevitable – talk to your GP and allow them to help you find a solution.

2. 'Sex shouldn't be painful for women if they're attracted to their partner'

Woman looking upset with male partner in the background (Getty Images)
See your GP if you're experiencing painful sex. (Getty Images) (laflor via Getty Images)

Believed by over one in four (27%) Brits

"Being attracted to your partner doesn’t stop sex from hurting if you tend to experience pain during penetration," says Ness Cooper. "If you're attracted to your partner it can mean you become aroused more easily when thinking or being with them, and this can lead to producing more vaginal lubrication naturally, but may not solve intercourse-related pain.

"There are many reasons someone may experience pain during penetration but whether or not you’re attracted to someone isn’t one of them," she explains.

Menopause, illness, tiredness and physical and mental health all play a part. See your GP if you're suffering from pain during sex to explore potential causes.

Read more: ‘I want women to take ownership of their sexual pleasure,’ says female director of hook-up app

3. 'You can always tell when you have an STI'

You can't always see an STI before it's too late. (Getty Images)
You can't always see an STI before it's too late. (Getty Images) (Jonathan Storey via Getty Images)

Believed by one in five (21%) Brits

"Sometimes STIs can go unnoticed due to the incubation time before they really become active in the body," says Cooper.

"Even when an STI is active and showing up on test results, there aren't always symptoms. This is why it’s important to get tested regularly as we can’t always tell if we have contracted one."

Many such as chlamydia have no visible symptoms, particularly in the early stages. Never assume that a new partner is free of STIs just because you can't seen any signs.

4. 'You can get an STI from a toilet seat'

Part of woman on toilet
Are you sure you know the facts? (Getty Images) (gpointstudio via Getty Images)

Believed by almost one in five (18%) Brits

"STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) don’t spread on toilet seats, and ones that spread through contact of bodily fluids don’t survive outside of the body long enough to be transmittable through sitting on a toilet seat," says Cooper.

"The fear of STIs being transmitted via toilet seats has been going around for far too long."

STI are transmitted through skin contact or penetration with an infected person.

Read more: STIs most feared topic on a date – and 63% won't even broach the subject with friends

5. 'Pulling out is an effective method of contraception'

couple in bed
"Honestly, I read it on Instagram..." (Getty Images) (andreusK via Getty Images)

Believed by 15% of Brits

"Whilst pre-cum often only contains trace amounts of active sperm there is a possibility someone could get pregnant from penetration that involves pre-ejaculation," explains Cooper. "This means that the pull-out method isn’t always reliable."

Many babies exist to prove this point – so always use contraception if you don't want a pregnancy.

The survey also found that....

  • Almost one in three Brits do not seek sexual health advice from any source

  • One in 10 men get their sexual health advice from porn

  • Understanding the importance of communication is the number one thing Brits wished they had learned about sex sooner.

  • Feeling sexy in your own skin was one of the most popular lessons women wished they’d learned sooner with a third (33%) agreeing compared to only 19% of men.

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