It’s an over-communicated world these days, and as humans, there happens to be one topic we think about a lot: S-E-X. When it comes to all things sexual, matters get compounded by the sheer bombardment of messages all around us, regarding this once taboo topic.  Growing up back when, we got our information old-fashioned way – whispers in the schoolyard.  It was only a three-letter word, but what a magnetic, intriguing topic it was.  As we grew up, the world changed, technology improved… and yet, the misinformation once shared behind the portables has somehow persisted. Now here we are, smack middle in the information age, and we still can’t get our heads around what is and isn’t true about the “S” word.  Let’s have a look at five blatant sex myths, and for each, try to set the record straight.

Sex Myth #1: Sex burns major calories

Logic be damned, during the act, you are, for the most part, lying around the bed.  Sure, your heart rate may be somewhat above normal, but sadly, it doesn’t automatically equate to a robust cardio workout.

The reality:

Here are the hard numbers (according to a study by the University of Montreal): You’re looking at anywhere between 70 and 100 calories burned in a typical sex session. It varies somewhat between male and female too (a guy’s exertion being on the upper end of the scale). By contrast, a brisk walk, either on a treadmill or outdoors in the fresh air, will consume 6 or so calories a minute, or about 180 calories in a similar half hour. So that roll in the hay, while it might seem more exhilarating, and strenuous, is nowhere near the workout of even a simple walk. 

Sex Myth #2: Sex and intercourse mean the same thing

If there hasn’t been actual penetration, then you haven’t had sex.

The reality:

While the two terms may be used interchangeably (not that you hear the word intercourse tossed around in day-to-day conversation all that much), sex is in reality the much broader term. It encompasses a wider spectrum of activity between a couple. Plus there is an emotional component to sex that the more mechanical act of intercourse shouldn’t imply. Failing to recognize the difference can result in even more difficulty for couples who may be facing issues such as painful sex, past trauma or erectile dysfunction.  There are lots of ways you can have sex which don’t involve penetration (i.e. intercourse) – and they are all count, under the broad term of sex.

Sex Myth #3: Having a much-younger lover means mind-blowing sex

Having a younger partner automatically guarantees the stamina and energy factor that comes with youth will continuously result in a sex life of epic proportions. 

The reality:

It’s actually more about chemistry. Way more.  Consider that “mind-blowing” sex must need to prominently involve – you guessed it – the mind. That’s where a lot of the action takes place, both initially and deeper into a relationship.  While some couples (or individuals with a couple) may benefit from a difference in age, it’s just as likely that the number of years one has been on a planet will not have a lot to do with how the relationship works out, both in and out of the bedroom.  A good sex life is more about communication (there’s that mind thing again) between a couple, than it is about the couples’ respective ages. Plus, it’s always good to point out that an issue such as erectile dysfunction is not restricted to guys of advanced age. It can happen to practically any guy.

Sex Myth #4: Sex can give you a heart attack

It’s the stuff of bar room banter, TV plot lines and tittering whispers around the water cooler.  But – here we go again with the misinformation.

The reality:

Much to the contrary, more sex can lead to a healthier heart. It turns out, according to one study in the American Journal of Cardiology, that a man actually reduces his risk of cardiovascular disease if he has sex a couple times a week, versus one who does it once a month or less.  The evidence also seemed to show that the issue of erectile dysfunction was irrelevant to the outcome.  Urban myths and legends aside, the actual chance of going into cardiac arrest during the proceedings is very low indeed. Remember the exercise data – the exertion you put out during sex is simply not that significant. While the sex may be mind blowing, it’s generally not heart blowing.

Sex Myth #5: Men with ED have no sexual desire

The ability (or inability) to “get it up” so that he can “get it on” must be tied to a guy’s over-all sexual appetite; he must be losing it if things are not happening in the bedroom.

The reality:

This again is simply contrary to the facts.  Sexual desire is not necessarily impacted by erectile dysfunction.  While a guy may fear that attempting to have sexual relations will result in erectile failure, it does not mean that ED is the culprit in directly impacting his sexual desire. Seeking out ED treatment may be the right course of action, whether or not there is issue with a fellow’s libido.

 Conclusion

It’s true that sex – the word, the concept, the act – is all around us. We’re inundated, with images, with storylines, reports, with “facts” and with fiction regarding it. But it’s important to seek out the truth, especially if an individual has issues – a male with ED for example. Looking at the myriad sources of information out there, a guy may well be convinced that it’s over for him sexually. Very often, it’s simply not the case. Again, it can be a matter of fact versus myth. Seek out credible sources for your sex info is the bottom line.