By Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Plan B One-Step is a single-dose emergency contraceptive (EC) pill. It contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone belonging to the progestin class. Plan B One-Step and its generic alternatives are available over the counter (OTC).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Plan B One-Step to reduce the chance of pregnancy if taken within three days (72 hours) after unprotected sex.1
Plan B One-Step is intended for use if another contraceptive method fails (such as a condom breaking during sex) or isn’t used.2
Taking Plan B One-Step may affect your period. Some females get their period about a week early or a week late after taking Plan B One-Step, and their bleeding may be lighter or heavier than usual. However, if your period is more than a week late, you could be pregnant.3
Keep reading to learn more about the link between taking Plan B One-Step and your period’s timing, along with basic safety and dosage information regarding its use.
Understanding the Morning-After Pill
Emergency birth control such as the morning-after pill, can help decrease your chance of becoming pregnant after unprotected sex. EC pills, like Plan B One-Step, work by preventing ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovaries.
By stopping this process, the sperm cannot fertilize the egg, thus avoiding a pregnancy.
It is important to note that EC will not have any impact if ovulation has already taken place. As a result, EC does not affect fertilized eggs or pregnancies already implanted.4
EC, including Plan B One-Step, differs from Mifeprex (mifepristone). Mifeprex is a medication given in combination with the drug misoprostol for medical termination of a pregnancy up to 70 days into the pregnancy.5
EC, on the other hand, only works as a preventive measure against pregnancy, with no effect after pregnancy begins.2
Some states restrict access or completely disallow the use of Mifeprex. Fourteen states have banned access to Mifeprex for medical termination of pregnancy, while another 15 states limit its use to certain situations.
In contrast, Plan B One-Step is legal and available in all 50 states.6
What Is Plan B One-Step?
The FDA approves Plan B One-Step for use in females to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy following unprotected sex. It comes as a single-dose oral tablet that you swallow. It is intended for use in females of reproductive age.
Plan B One-Step works up to 72 hours after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Taking it as soon as possible increases its effectiveness and reduces the chances of getting pregnant.1
The sooner you take it after sex, the more effectively it works, though some research suggests that it may still work up to four days (96 hours) afterward.4
Levonorgestrel, the active ingredient in Plan B One-Step, is also available OTC as several other emergency contraceptive products, such as Her Style, Opcicon One-Step, and Fallback Solo.2
Levonorgestrel is also an active ingredient found in other contraceptives, such as certain types of birth control pills, transdermal patches, and intrauterine devices (IUDs).7
How Does Plan B One-Step Work?
Plan B One-Step prevents or delays ovulation when the ovary releases an egg. As a result, sperm cells cannot reach or fertilize the egg, which helps prevent pregnancy.3
Plan B One-Step works by preventing or delaying ovulation. If you take it after ovulation has already occurred, it may be less effective.
However, since you may not know when you ovulated, you can still take Plan B One-Step at any time during your menstrual cycle to help prevent pregnancy within three days after having unprotected sex.8
Note that it offers no protection against HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, it should not be considered a preventative measure against STDs.1
Taking Plan B One-Step may result in changes to the menstrual cycle. After taking Plan B One-Step, your period may be earlier or later than expected. In most cases, individuals taking it will get their period within a week when expected.
However, if your period is more than a week late, this could be a sign of pregnancy; take a pregnancy test or talk to a healthcare provider for guidance.
Period flow and duration may be similarly affected by Plan B One-Step. Some individuals experience heavier or lighter bleeding than usual, and their period may be longer or shorter than usual.
Some people may notice spotting or light bleeding after taking Plan B One-Step, but this side effect may not be your actual period. You should still anticipate your period within a week before or after the expected time.
After taking Plan B, you may feel anxious while waiting to see if it was successful at preventing pregnancy. The most typical indication of its effectiveness is the arrival of your period. You can also take a pregnancy test if your period is late.
There is no other method to determine the effectiveness of Plan B One-Step if signs such as a negative pregnancy test do not occur.3
Why Does Plan B Affect Your Period?
Levonorgestrel, the active ingredient in Plan B One-Step, results in possible changes to the menstrual cycle. Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestin hormone.
It is a lab-made version of a naturally occurring progesterone hormone and acts similarly.1
Because Plan B One-Step contains a more significant amount of hormone than the body naturally produces at various stages of the menstrual cycle, the medication can alter the flow, duration, and timing of the next period.
In general:9
- Taking Plan B One-Step after the midpoint of the menstrual cycle (the time of expected ovulation) may result in extended periods and/or delays in period onset.
- Taking Plan B One-Step before the midpoint of the menstrual cycle is more frequently associated with spotting and earlier period onset.
Dosing Guidelines
The table below shows the strength and dosage of Plan B One-Step:1
Plan B One-Step can be taken with or without food as long as you take it within 72 hours of unprotected sex. If you vomit within three hours of taking it, you may need to repeat the dose.2
Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider for advice if you have questions about taking Plan B One-Step.
Precautions & Safety
The FDA advises pregnant individuals against using Plan B One-Step. However, the drug is not known to cause harmful effects if taken during pregnancy, and it does not affect an established pregnancy. Plan B One-Step will not terminate an existing pregnancy.
In addition, individuals should not rely on the morning-after pill as their primary form of contraception.
Other options, such as birth control pills or vaginal rings, are more effective when used as prescribed compared to Plan B One-Step or other emergency contraceptive pills.
Certain medications interact with Plan B One-Step and may lead to less effective results for Plan B One-Step when taken simultaneously.
These medications include:1
Side Effects
Generally, Plan B One-Step provides safe emergency contraception. However, some individuals may experience side effects from the medication.
The most common side effects are:10
In most cases, these side effects are mild. Notably, abdominal pain could be a sign of ectopic pregnancy.
If you’re experiencing severe abdominal pain after taking Plan B One-Step, contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and observation.
How Effective Is Plan B One-Step?
Plan B One-Step provides a practical option for preventing pregnancy. In a major clinical study, Plan B One-Step prevented 84% of expected pregnancies.
This was a drop from 8% to 1% in the expected pregnancy rate following unprotected sex without EC.1
However, other factors can alter the effectiveness of Plan B One-Step. Studies show that taking the medication as soon as possible after the time of unprotected sex increases the chances of effectively preventing pregnancy.
Furthermore, the point in the menstrual cycle when you take Plan B can affect how it works.11
An independent study of Plan B One-Step showed that while the medication may still be effective after ovulation, it is more effective if taken before ovulation.8
Summary
Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel 1.5 mg oral tablet) is an OTC EC pill.1 It is taken to reduce the chance of pregnancy if taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
After taking Plan B One-Step, it’s common for individuals to experience some changes to their normal menstrual cycle.2
Your period can come one week earlier or later than expected. Plan B One-Step may cause spotting and/or periods that are heavier, longer, or lighter than usual.
If more than a week has passed since you expected your period after taking Plan B One-Step, you may be pregnant. Take a pregnancy test; if the result is negative and another week passes without a period, take another test or reach out to a healthcare provider for medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I safely store Plan B One-Step?
Store Plan B One-Step at room temperature (68-77 degrees F) and keep it away from any area susceptible to high levels of heat or moisture, such as the bathroom.
Keep Plan B out of the reach of children and pets.10
- Will Plan B One-Step affect future fertility?
No. Plan B One-Step does not impact future fertility. The medication works quickly and only stays in your system for a few hours without making any lasting changes to hormones or fertility.12
- What is the shelf-life of Plan B One-Step?
Plan B One-Step comes with an expiration date on the product packaging. It is usually four years after the date of manufacturing.
Once expired, the medication may be less effective, so dispose of any unused Plan B One-Step and replace it with a fresh supply if desired.13
- How commonly used is EC?
EC has gained popularity over the last two decades.
According to a 2019 survey, more than 25% of females of reproductive age reported taking EC at least once; a similar survey from 2002 found that only 4% of females reported using EC.
This increase is likely because EC is now an easily accessible OTC product that had previously required a prescription.7
Complete Article ↪HERE↩!
— Feeling anxious about orgasms can affect sexual pleasure, here’s how to cope.
By Habeeb Akande
Orgasm anxiety is a topic that doesn’t get enough attention, but it’s a real issue that affects a lot of women.
What is orgasm anxiety?
Orgasm anxiety is a sense of nervousness and stress surrounding the ability to orgasm, typically during partnered sexual activity. Orgasm anxiety can manifest itself by hyperfocusing on achieving orgasm or excessively worrying about a lack of orgasm.
What causes orgasm anxiety?
A lack of sex-positive, pleasure-focused sex education is a significant cause of orgasm anxiety.
In our sexually liberated society, many women feel pressured to have great sex with mind-blowing orgasms. While great strides have been made to help women orgasm by self-stimulation, millions of women struggle to orgasm when a man is involved.
The ability to orgasm is of primary concern among women, with approximately 25% of women having never experienced an orgasm or having difficulty experiencing one. Even more women do not orgasm during partnered sex, with a study reporting that only 18.4% of women orgasm during intercourse alone.
Some men know how to bring a woman to orgasm. Many women are not informed or confident enough to tell men what they need to orgasm. It’s a taboo topic that must be addressed if we want to close the orgasm gap.
Six tips for overcoming orgasm anxiety and enjoying sex more
For women who want to overcome orgasm anxiety and experience sexual fulfillment, here are six tips:
1. Stop overthinking and practice mindfulness
Overthinking is when you repeat your negative thoughts and feelings, examine them, and question them. Some women overthink more than men due to brain activity, as shown in a study by the Amen Clinics.
Overthinking causes stress and anxiety, the most common reasons why 58% of women don’t orgasm. Feeling anxious can cause orgasm difficulties as it creates a barrier to sexual fulfillment.
According to experts, overthinking is the most significant barrier to women’s orgasms. It’s similar to ‘spectatoring’. For example, focusing on oneself from a third-person perspective during sexual activity rather than focusing on one’s sensations or sexual partner.
In the bedroom, a lot of women overthink and find it challenging to climax due to the negative thoughts. “Overthinking gives you tunnel vision that can only focus on what’s wrong in your life,” writes renowned psychologist Dr. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, who helps women who ruminate too much. To stop overthinking, shift your perspective from “what’s wrong?” to “what’s not wrong?” Adopt a pleasure-positive perspective to become orgasmic.
For many women, the practice of mindfulness is vital to overcoming orgasm anxiety. Learn how to be present during intimacy to enjoy sexual pleasure.
2. Focus on pleasure, not climax
While most women can easily stimulate themselves to orgasm, up to 65% of women do not orgasm during sexual intercourse, even with clitoral stimulation.
If orgasm anxiety is preventing you from having an orgasm with a partner, it might be worth focusing on sexual pleasure instead. Goal-orientated sex can create a lot of internalized pressure and may leave you feeling frustrated when you don’t orgasm.
Pressure can create anxiety and make it even more difficult to orgasm. The expectation to climax is known as the orgasm imperative.
Prioritizing sexual pleasure can help relieve orgasm worries.
Take the focus off the orgasmic goal and follow the pleasure journey. You are more likely to reach orgasm when you are on the road to pleasure.
3. You’re not broken, you’re normal
It’s common for women to experience orgasm anxiety at some stage in their life. Many women find it challenging to climax or have never experienced an orgasm, and that’s okay. Remember, when it comes to orgasm, there is no such thing as “normal.”
Every woman is different, and every woman has different orgasmic experiences. What works for one woman may not work for another, and that’s okay. Some women do not orgasm until their forties or even later, and that’s okay.
It’s important to understand that you are not abnormal, damaged, or broken because you do not orgasm as often as you would like or expect.
Learn what works for you and set realistic expectations without comparing yourself to others.
4. Communicate your feelings
Effective communication is vital to overcoming orgasm anxiety. Open communication in a safe and non-judgmental way can help eradicate bedroom stress.
If you are in a relationship, speak to your partner about your desires, preferences, and boundaries. It can help him understand your needs and learn how to support you.
Often, women will speak to their female friends about bedroom issues and assume that men are not concerned about their needs. It’s important to remember that men are not mind readers. We think differently to women, and that’s okay. This is why it’s critical to communicate your needs and desires effectively.
You can show your partner how you like to be touched or guide him with your hands to help you discover new sensations.
5. Try new techniques
The route to climax varies among women. If you’re someone who struggles to orgasm during sex, try different techniques to help you achieve the elusive big O.
Researchers at the sexual pleasure platform OMGYES identified four techniques to help women increase sexual pleasure. According to the OMGYES Pleasure Report, adult women in America reported that the “shallowing,” “pairing,” “rocking,” and “angling” techniques made vaginal intercourse more pleasurable.
Intercourse is only one technique for lovemaking; women can reach orgasm through non-penetrative techniques such as kunyaza. It’s a myth that orgasm should occur through intercourse alone.
Find the technique that works for you!
6. Learn what gives you pleasure
Many women have convinced themselves that they are unable to orgasm because they’ve experienced years of unsatisfactory sex. It can also be challenging to open up to a partner or friends about orgasmic dysfunction. A lack of sexual knowledge can lead to bedroom anxiety.
Misinformation about women’s sexuality is rampant, as there are many misconceptions about female sexual arousal and women’s orgasm. Such misinformation has contributed to many women feeling inadequate.
Hollywood actress and author Kim Cattrall believed she was unable to orgasm until she experienced her first orgasm in her forties. Despite playing a sexually confident character on screen, Cattrall struggled to orgasm until she met her third husband and learned what turns her on.
Educating yourself about women’s experiences can help normalize your path to sexual satisfaction.
Complete Article ↪HERE↩!
— Here are some low-key ideas for sexual play
Don’t be afraid to explore
By Mia Erickson
Not sure where to start when it comes to spicing things up in the bedroom? Don’t be discouraged. Here’s how one viral TikTok expert suggests approaching sexual play, breaking down kink for beginners.
Kinks, fetishes and wild sexual fantasies are more often than not surrounded by a haze of misinformation, shame and secrecy. However, according to one historical author, sexual play has long been a crucial part of society.
Sharing her fascinating research with the world, author Esmé Louise James has become a TikTok sensation, boasting over 2.4 million followers, and earning a spot on the platform’s top one per cent of creators. Unmasking the fantasies and bedroom proclivities of some of history’s most prominent figures, James’ content continues to captivate her constantly growing audience.
Joining Felicity Harley, host of the Healthy-ish podcast, James breaks the fascinating world of kink, from its historical roots to today’s contemporary interpretations. Unpacking the importance of sexual exploration, the pair break down some of the stigma still attached, discussing some simple yet effective kink practices for beginners.
The history of kink
You don’t need a PhD to recognise just how XX our interpretation of all things sex has been throughout history. With every new era and cultural transformation, we seem to backtrack and reject the attitudes of late, either wholeheartedly embracing our sexuality as a society, or dismissing its relevance completely.
“Kink is generally defined as any sexual behaviour that sits outside of normal, and our definition of that can change over time,” explains James. “I guess we would define it now as anything outside of vanilla sex.”
Fluid and ever-changing, our sexual preferences and habits can’t be so easily labelled, meaning defining kink depends entirely on the context. According to the history buff, kink practices things that we would find very shocking today have existed for as long as we’ve had a human history.
“One of my favourite ones is that in the 17th century, flagellation and strangulation became so popular in England that they actually had to put laws in place because people were becoming harmed at brothels and in houses by spanking,” explains the author. “It became known as the ‘English vice’, and this was spread across Europe.”
The biggest misconceptions surrounding common sexual practices
Reflecting on the vast and ever-changing sexual landscape throughout history, James urges people to consider how their own contexts and personal histories may have influenced their comprehension of kink practices. She says in order to truly embrace and understand kink practices, one must steer the conversation away from intercourse, instead exploring the idea of pleasure and experience.
“One thing we often look over is the importance of imagination in sexual experience as well, especially for women,” the author explains. “And my God, the amount of times that we’re in the bedroom and our head is thinking about a million different other things, ‘what are we going to cook for dinner?’ ‘Have we done the laundry?’, all of these kinds of things that we’re running a million miles an hour.”
“So being able to engage the imagination in the bedroom I think is one of the easiest but most overlooked aspects of intimate experiences with someone,” she adds.
How to bring kink into the bedroom
If you’re curious about exploring the world of kink or feel like adding a bit of spice to your usual bedroom antics could pay off for you and your partner, James says it’s important not to overcomplicate matters. She suggests starting with safe, simple sensory exploration, explaining that closing down on sense, such as wearing a blindfold, can heighten and stimulate your body’s other responses.
More Coverage
“Just one of you putting on a blindfold and experimenting with feeling things like feathers or silk or other things on your body, that is technically a kink because it deviates from vanilla sex,” says James. “It’s something that I think is a nice, easy access point for people to start experimenting with different sensual behaviours in the bedroom.”
But if feathers and blindfolds don’t quite scratch the itch for you, the TikTok-famous historian says it might be worth turning to the past for some inspiration.
“I always say to people, you know, if you’re looking to spice things up, what’s the best thing to do? Go and read some pornography from the 1800s,” says James. “Honestly, read about what people were doing and practising back hundreds of years ago, and weirdly enough, I think it normalises experimentations for us now.”
Complete Article ↪HERE↩!
— Masturbation is a natural and healthy aspect of sexual development that has many health benefits. There are various ways for individuals with vaginas to self-pleasure, including using their hands and toys to stimulate their genitals and other erogenous zones, like the nipples.
By Rhiannon John, MSexol
Key takeaways:
- Masturbation has many health benefits, including reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and learning what feels pleasurable.
- The most common types of masturbation include clitoral, vaginal, and anal stimulation or a combination of the three.
- Tips for exploring each area include applying a lubricant, slowly increasing arousal, and experimenting with different strokes, pressures, and speeds.
If you’re new to exploring self-pleasure or looking for ways to enhance your experience, we’ve gathered some tips and insights below that may be helpful.
Benefits of masturbation
Masturbation has a myriad of health benefits, making it a healthy and fun sexual activity. Masturbation has been found to:
- Reduce stress
- Relieve sexual tension
- Improve sleep quality
- Enhance knowledge of how you like to be pleasured
- Improve mood
- Strengthen the pelvic floor muscles
- Alleviate period pain for some people
Different types of masturbation
There are various erogenous zones for people with vaginas for self-pleasure. In this article, we’ll focus on the most commonly practiced types of masturbation to help you get started. However, there are many ways to explore and enjoy your body, and you should always feel empowered to pleasure yourself in a comfortable and pleasurable way.
Clitoral masturbation
Clitoral masturbation is the most common form of masturbation for folks with vaginas, as many people cannot orgasm without clitoral stimulation. The clitoris is a highly sensitive erogenous zone that contains approximately 10,000 sensory nerve endings, making it a prime area for self-pleasure. You can pleasure the clitoris using your fingers to rub all areas of the clitoris, or you can use a vibrating or suction sex toy for extra stimulation.
Vaginal masturbation
Vaginal masturbation is also another common form of masturbation, and while it feels pleasurable for many people, not everyone can orgasm from vaginal stimulation. There are several pleasurable areas in the vagina that you can explore, and many people find stimulating the top wall of the vagina, often referred to as the G-spot, pleasurable. You can pleasure the vagina using your fingers or a sex toy.
Anal masturbation
The anus and rectum contain many sensory nerve endings, making anal masturbation a highly pleasurable experience. You can please the anus externally using fingers or a vibrator or internally using anal toys or fingers.
How to get started
While each person’s self-pleasure routine will look different, there are a few tips that many people use to help get them in the mood.
Create a relaxing environment
To maximize pleasure during masturbation, it’s important to ensure that you have a cozy environment. To do this, first, ensure that you have some privacy by locking the door and switching off your phone to avoid any unwelcome interruptions. If you live somewhere with limited privacy, consider jumping in the bath or shower and locking the door behind you.
Next, make your chosen room as desirable as possible by considering what is pleasurable to each of your five senses. Consider lighting candles, dimming the lights, wearing something that feels luxurious or turns you on, and playing relaxing music or sounds.
Don’t forget lubrication
You may know that a lubricant is an essential ingredient for pleasurable intercourse, but did you know that it also makes masturbation feel amazing too? While the vagina is self-lubricating, sometimes it doesn’t produce enough lubrication to make sex pleasurable. This is why you should always use a lubricant when having any kind of sexual activity. And if you’re exploring anal play, lubrication is a must, as the anus isn’t self-lubricating.
Get exploring
No matter which area of the body you intend to explore, the key is to keep an open mind and get curious about how your body can feel and respond to pleasure. Explore different sensations, pressures, speeds, and areas of the body to find out what feels best for you. You may also want to experiment with toys or erotica to help increase arousal.
Tips for exploring the clitoris
The clitoris is a highly sensitive part of the body. Here are some ways you can begin exploring what feels good to you:
- Start slowly. Start by applying some lubrication to the clitoris and labia, then slowly begin stroking your vulva. There’s no rush to get to the clitoris, so take your time by slowly building up arousal and allowing blood to flow to the area.
- Vary speed and pressure. When ready, move to the clitoris, rubbing or stroking it with little pressure. Then slowly increase the pressure and the speed of the strokes to your liking.
- Different techniques. You may want to explore different techniques, such as pinching the clitoris, rubbing it in circles, or stroking it up and down. You can also use a sex toy, such as a vibrator, to gently rub or press onto the clitoris.
- Increase the pressure. Once you have found a sensation that feels good, increase the pressure and intensity of the strokes, rubbing, or vibrations until you reach orgasm or feel like you’ve had enough.
Tips for exploring the vagina
Finding out what feels good for you inside your vagina is important for increasing sexual pleasure. Try these tips to begin your exploration slowly and sensitively:
- Stimulate blood flow. Start by applying a lubricant to the clitoris, labia, fingers, and sex toy. Then slowly begin stroking your vulva and clitoris to increase arousal and blood flow to the vagina.
- Slowly insert fingers or sex toy. When ready, part opens your vagina with your fingers and insert your fingers or a sex toy. Then slowly start exploring the vagina, moving your fingers or toys in a circular motion inside the vagina to find a pleasurable spot.
- New techniques. You may want to explore different techniques, such as using your fingers in a “come here” motion to stimulate the G-spot, moving your fingers or toys in and out of your vagina, or simultaneously playing with the clitoris.
- Keep going. Once you have found a sensation that feels good, increase the pressure and intensity of the strokes until you reach orgasm or feel like you’ve had enough.
Tips for exploring the anus
The anus can be a deeply pleasurable area for some people. Try these tips to find out if it’s something you like:
- Always lubricate. Start by applying a lubricant to your fingers or sex toy. Then slowly begin stroking and rubbing the outside of your anus.
- Gentle exploration. When ready, carefully insert your finger or toy into your anus, then slowly start exploring the anus, moving your fingers or toy in a circular motion inside the anus to find a pleasurable spot.
- Experiment. You may want to explore different techniques, such as moving your fingers or toy in and out of your anus or simultaneously playing with the clitoris or vagina.
It’s important to note that when using sex toys to stimulate the anus, they should have a flared base to prevent them from getting lost in the rectum, which can result in surgical intervention.
When it comes to exploring masturbation, the key thing that you should aim for is to have a pleasurable experience. While having an orgasm can be an amazing experience, masturbation without an orgasm can also be incredibly enjoyable. So try not to pressure yourself to have an orgasm each time you masturbate, but rather stay curious about what you find pleasurable, and enjoy the experience.
Complete Article ↪HERE↩!
By Jeremy Brown
In the movies, we often see a man or woman sweep his or her partner up, kiss them passionately, and have their way with them with barely a word spoken on either end. This notion that a person can simply take what they want when they want is not only false; it can set an unreasonable and dangerous precedent.
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women has experienced rape or attempted rape during their lifetime. In addition, close to a quarter of men have also been victims of sexual violence. With these statistics in mind, it is clear that both partners need to be on the same page when it comes to getting physical.
“Communication is essential in any relationship — even a long-term partnership,” says Dr. Juliana Hauser, a licensed family and marriage therapist, an expert on sex and sexuality, and a Kindra Advisory Board Member. “I encourage couples who want to try something new to discuss it openly and honestly with their partner. One of my favorite ways to practice consent is my four quadrants exercise — it’s a helpful tool to openly discuss what you want to try in the bedroom, and what you don’t! Consent is sexy, should be enthusiastic and clear and reciprocal.”
Myth: Couples don’t routinely practice safer sex
And these unrealistic expectations of how sexual activity should be can end up doing more harm than good, even informing some people’s ideas of what sex is supposed to be. According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, only thirteen states mandate that sex education be medically accurate.
Perhaps even more worrying, a 2000 study published in the Western Journal of Medicine revealed that more than 80% of adolescents reported that a lot of their information about sex comes from television, movies, and other forms of entertainment. An additional 10% of adolescents said that they learned more about such topics as AIDS from media than they did from parents or educators.
With numbers like these in mind, we turned to a pair of experts who walked us through some of the most common movie misconceptions about sex – and how reality is so much better than fiction
Myth: Consent isn’t needed
When a couple enters a monogamous, committed relationship, the “Hollywood ending” mentality might lead one to believe that sex can now exist in a sort of consequence-free environment. With two sexually exclusive partners, the risk of disease is likely very low, if not nonexistent. And, if both partners are thinking long-term, there may not be any issues or concerns about getting pregnant. There can even be a societal element to couples electing to forego safe sex. A 2016 study published in Global Health Action showed that, among monogamous partners in southeastern Tanzania, there was a feeling that married partners who do not practice safe sex are “not really married.”
However, experts say that safe sex can be a way for couples to keep exploring and find new ways to connect and bond. “Safe sex can mean a variety of things for couples,” Hauser says, “whether it is to avoid pregnancy, lessen the risk of transmitting a sexual disease, try something new in a safe environment, or feel emotionally safe during intimacy. Be open and honest with your partner about what safe sex means to you. Experiencing safety in many forms during sexual connection is considered a powerful aphrodisiac for many individuals
Myth: Older people don’t have sex
Older couples in movies are usually portrayed as leading chaste, almost sexless lives. Sometimes their lack of intimacy is even played for laughs, with jokes flying about men’s inability to perform or women’s postmenopausal lack of desire. However, in reality, older people can be just as sexually active as younger people. A 2019 survey conducted by the American Psychological Association showed that a third of adults between the ages of 60 and 82 had more sex and even sexual thoughts than younger adults.
Hauser herself points to a Kindra/Harris Poll survey that showed that 70% of women over 50 say they still enjoy having sex. “There’s a myth that quality of sex declines and orgasms become more elusive for women as we age,” she notes. “That doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, many couples 50+ report finding a renewed interest in sexual connection, an increase in investing in sex toys and seeking professional support in experiencing more fulfilling sexual lives. There are practical things women can do to become ‘sexperts’ and reclaim their sexuality as they age to make sex more fulfilling, pleasure more abundant, and orgasms more potent — better than ever.”
Myth: Lubrication is unnecessary
Movie sex would have us believe that women are always so turned on that there is no need for any outside assistance, and the natural lubrication from her arousal is more than enough. If only it were that simple. The truth is, even if they are completely aroused, women still may need a little help with vaginal lubrication. A 2012 study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology revealed that 62% of women have used some type of lubricant during sex. This can be a particular issue as women grow older.
Hauser notes that more than half of women who are experiencing perimenopause and menopause can be affected by vaginal dryness. “This vaginal change can have a significant impact on body confidence, sexual connection and relationships,” she says. “Vulvovaginal moisturizers and lubricants make a significant difference for many women, especially those going through the hormonal shifts of menopause. Using a vaginal moisturizer helps rebuild moisture over time so you’re always ready for intimacy, and using a lubricant during sex can help increase feelings of pleasure.”
Myth: Don’t bother with foreplay
When you’re watching a movie, it’s understood that there is a need to keep the plot moving forward, so you can’t pause too long for a sex scene. But in a Hollywood tryst, we often see couples go from kissing to full-on intercourse in a matter of seconds. In reality, things should be moving at a much slower pace. Foreplay isn’t just enjoyable; it’s an important part of sexual intimacy, according to Healthline. Kissing alone releases a number of stress-reducing hormones, such as oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine.
“Being mentally and physically ready for and interested in sexual activity is so important — especially as we age,” says Hauser. “Foreplay allows your mind and body time to transition into receiving pleasure, to become present and to prime your body and if engaging in partnered sex, a connection with your partner without the focus of an end result. Embrace a curious mindset and give yourself permission to experiment to find what you like — solo pleasure can be so helpful here.”
Myth: Women always orgasm
Onscreen, women are almost always completely enraptured by their partner’s performance, to the point of achieving a blissful, even earth-shaking, orgasm. And, while it would be nice if vaginal intercourse were sufficient to bring all women to orgasm, it’s not always the case. In fact, a 2016 study published in Socioaffective Neuroscience & Pyschology revealed that, while 90% of men experience orgasm through intercourse, only 50% of women can say the same. The issue stems from the fact that most women achieve orgasm via stimulation of the clitoris. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy showed that nearly 37% of women required their clitorises to be stimulated in order to reach orgasm. An additional 36% said that, while they could achieve climax without it, stimulation of the clitoris improved their orgasms, making them feel better.
“While some women do reliably orgasm through intercourse, women are generally more likely to orgasm through oral sex, fingering, masturbation, and/or use of sex toys — in other words, acts that provide clitoral stimulation,” says Suzannah Weiss, resident sexologist for the pleasure product brand Biird. “Make sure the clit is getting attention!”
Myth: Sex in the shower is easy
Of all of the sexual myths that are better in concept than execution, sex in the shower could arguably top the list. In theory, it’s got all of the right components. It’s warm, it’s steamy, and everyone is naked by default. As such, it’s become a common love scene trope in movies, one that people try and replicate all too often at home. A 2020 survey conducted by Drench.com showed that more than half of adults have attempted to have sex in the shower. However, that poll also reveals that 32% have been disappointed by the experience, and an alarming 44% have actually been hurt during shower sex.
“If only sex in the shower — or bath or hot tub or pool — were as easy as they make it look in the movies!” Weiss says. “Unfortunately, water washes off natural lubrication, which increases friction during penetration. Not to mention, the shower is a confined and slippery place! If you are looking to have sex in the shower, manual or digital sex is probably the easiest kind. Silicone lube is the least likely to wash off, and you can also bring in a waterproof vibrator. Showering can also be great foreplay: You can kiss and feel each other up in the shower, then move to a more comfortable place like the bedroom.”
Myth: Simultaneous orgasms are easy to achieve
When movie couples achieve climax during one of their perfectly lit and artfully shot love scenes, it is usually in perfect sync, with the sequence fading to black as both couples relax in the afterglow. In reality, a simultaneous orgasm, particularly from vaginal intercourse, is a little harder to achieve. A 2018 study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior showed that only 41% to 50% of women in particular were able to climax from unassisted intercourse, making a shared climax a challenging goal.
“Because most women don’t reliably orgasm through intercourse, simultaneous orgasms during intercourse are not the norm,” Weiss says. “There’s also just a low probability that both people will take the exact same amount of time to orgasm in any given encounter.” Weiss suggests a few ways to help couples increase the odds of them simultaneously orgasming. “One way to do it is to have one partner touch their own clitoris or use a vibrator during intercourse (I’m speaking mainly about heterosexual intercourse here). Both people can let each other know when they are getting close, so one person can ease up if they are approaching orgasm faster than the other. Another way to do this is to have one person touch themselves while they are pleasuring a partner with their hands or mouth. Or, two people can masturbate side by side — something we unfortunately rarely see on screen!”
Myth: Everyone performs perfectly every time
Sex scenes in movies look so great because, well, they’re movies. Everything is scripted, choreographed, and planned out, and couples have multiple takes to get it right. Clothes come off without a hitch, every movement is perfectly executed, and both partners perform like pros. If only it were that easy!
But, because so many of us have been conditioned to view sex the way we see it onscreen, the idea of falling short of that mark can be a trigger. According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, up to 16% of women and 25% of men feel some form of anxiety around their performance in the bedroom.
“Sex doesn’t usually look like scripted sex scenes!” Weiss says. “Often, it involves talking, fumbling, pausing, not getting hard or wet when you want to, losing erections, not orgasming when you want to (or orgasming when you don’t want to), pets jumping on the bed, and more.” Weiss explains that the only things that can truly ruin sex are being embarrassed about it and taking it too seriously. “It’s OK for sex to be silly, messy, and unlike a Hollywood sex scene.”
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