Five of the Biggest Sex Myths Spreading on TikTok

With TikTok still growing as an information-sharing, trend-following, and narrative exchange tool, it is naturally becoming a magnet for misinformation, especially around sexuality and dating. Though the interactive short-form video format can foster interaction and conversation, it can also spread misinformation. Five of the most popular sex myths on TikTok need to be clarified here.

Myth 1: “You Can’t Get Pregnant During Your Period”

The most enduring misconception is that menstruation is okay for unprotected sex, and that you won’t get pregnant during it. While conception is less likely when a woman is on her period, that doesn’t make it unthinkable. Sperm survive in the fetus up to five days, which means that if a woman has a shorter period and ovulates shortly after her period, she can still get pregnant.

This myth can lead to unintended pregnancies, which is why it is vital to understand your menstrual cycle and make good use of effective contraceptives. You’ll want to monitor your period and have effective birth control to save yourself from unwanted pregnancies.

Myth 2: “The Pull-Out Method is a Reliable Form of Birth Control”

Pull-out or withdrawal is advertised on the internet, particularly on sites such as TikTok, as an effective birth control method. But this approach is notoriously fickle. Some estimates suggest that approximately 22 per cent of couples using the pull-out technique will develop an unintended pregnancy within one year.

The downside to this approach is that pre-ejaculate fluid may have sperm in it, increasing the risk of miscarriage. For those who are sexually active and wish to evade pregnancy, it is essential to resort to more efficient means of contraception like condoms or hormonal birth control that offer more protection.

Myth 3: “All STIs Are Easily Detectable”

Another dangerous sex-health myth is the notion that STIs will never cause manifest symptoms. In fact, most STIs are not symptomatic, which means you can have the disease without ever being ill. This can make it hard to detect and treat STIs, and will allow the infection to spread further, leading to severe health issues if left unaddressed.

Tests, even if no symptoms exist, are essential for ensuring proper sexual health. Equally significant is having open discussions with sexual partners about STIs — transparency can help ensure that all are in good health.

4. “Using Two Condoms Provides Double Protection”

Most of us might think that “double-bagging,” or squishing two condoms together, is the ultimate solution to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). That sentiment derives from the obvious principle that more is better. Yet this illusion can have unintended consequences.

There’s no additional protection to using two condoms; in fact, this decreases protection. If two condoms are used at once, the friction between the layers of condoms will leave a gap that will ultimately cause the condom to break. Studies have found that a single properly fitted condom provides optimal protection. Condoms are designed specifically to work best when used in conjunction. Thus, consumers should pay attention to selecting high-quality latex or polyurethane condoms and using them correctly to get the best results.

5. “Semen Can Boost Your Immune System”

Another, prevalent myth, particularly on platforms such as TikTok, is the belief that eating semen boosts immunity. Some creators assert that semen has nutrients that may support health benefits. But these are unscientific claims that dismiss vital health issues.

Semen does indeed contain proteins, vitamins and other elements, but it’s not a substitute for a healthy diet or a solution to a medical condition. Consuming semen has health risks, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and allergic reactions for some. Human health and nutrition are not easy subjects, and one should not base decisions about well-being on anecdotal or trendy advice. Rather, health decisions should be made only in the presence of well-established and credible sources, such as health care providers or established medical texts.

Making Informed Choices in Sexual Health

In a time of evolving knowledge about sexual health, we need to separate myths from facts. Information is not always clear or transparent. Some resources for managing sexual health:

Know Your Facts
Education is the only sure path to making sex health decisions you can trust. Take information from trusted sources, such as physicians, well-established health institutions, and educational sites. Sites such as those of the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Planned Parenthood contain an enormous amount of data on contraception, STIs, healthy relationships and other sexual health issues. These might also be supported by books from trained sexual health experts. When you give yourself the right data, you are putting yourself on a path to positive choices and thus agency.

Practice Safe Sex
There’s safety at the forefront of every sex experience. It is the use of condoms correctly and consistently. Condoms have been a very effective way to keep STIs out of your system and cut down on the likelihood of getting pregnant. We should follow the box instructions and use the condom correctly while having sex. Remember: you can only use one condom at a time. Two (or doublebagging) are actually more prone to breakage. Safe sex during your normal sexual activities defends not just yourself, but also your sexual partners.

Be Skeptical of Viral Claims
Social media means that it is only a few clicks away from pushing outrageous health propaganda. Those viral fads and viral hacks are really, really worth noting. For most people, misinformation consists of unverified personal stories, headlines and statistics. Before taking any health claims at face value, take a few minutes to see if they are real. Check facts with trusted sources and seek out studies from peer-reviewed journals that might back or disprove these claims. This critical approach is a defence against failing to gain those non-evidence-based practices.

Refer to Medical Experts
When it comes to sexual health, you should always approach a healthcare provider in a position of uncertainty or questioning. Healthcare providers specialize in giving the appropriate information to suit your needs. Schedule an appointment with your doctor for questions on birth control, STI testing or sexual dysfunction. They filter out misunderstandings and take you through the latest data and regulations.

Conclusion: Five of the Biggest Sex Myths Spreading on TikTok

As entertaining as TikTok is, you have to be very cautious about its material, especially when it comes to topics such as sexual health. Inaccurate messages can have devastating consequences, such as unwanted pregnancies and the dissemination of STIs. It’s better to look for medical experts, credible health institutions and peer-reviewed studies for reliable information. Teaching and sharing information about sexual health is an important way to encourage people to make healthy choices, and getting rid of these myths is a key first step toward a more balanced view of sex.