Is it true about......

Guest Comment by SBI Health Education intern, Danielle O.

Does the birth control pill cause cancer? Can an IUD cause painful sex? Does the “withdrawal” or “pulling out” method really work? Are two condoms better than one?

Today, it is hard to tell the facts from myths as far as the everyday forms of birth control go. Many people of all ages share the same misconceptions, or simply just do not know the answers to some of the questions they may have regarding the appropriate form and proper use of contraceptives. Indeed, due to the large and varying options available to us today, it is easy to get confused or misinformed.
The common misconception that keeps many women from using the pill, which is a highly effective method, is the fear that cancer is linked to the use. According to Steven Goldstein, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU School of Medicine in New York, “ the pill is not a cancer-causing agent, but a cancer-reducing agent, with good science to show that with continued pill use there’s a dramatic and continued reduction in the incidence of ovarian cancer, and even uterine cancer.”

Among the concerns listed above, questions about the intrauterine device (IUD) are quite common. Along with the frequently asked questions regarding intercourse, clients also ask if there if is interference of tampon use, and if it's possible for the device to become dislodged or move out of place. Research has shown that the answer is 'no.' Erika Banks, MD, associate residency director of obstetrics and gynecology at Montifiore Medical Center, Bronx, N.Y states, “an IUD will not interfere with tampon use, and, when properly inserted, it should not get dislodged during sex or cause you any pain, and your partner should not feel it either."

Continuing on with the misconceptions, one of the most popular is the withdrawal, or pulling out method. According to a study from the Guttmacher Institute, the effectiveness of the withdrawal method is about 96 percent. This respectfully speaking is contingent on the person’s methods just the same in comparison to proper use of condoms.

As for the idea that two condoms may be better than one, the friction of wearing two at the same time will create enough friction to cause both of the condoms to break or tear. As long as the condom is being used properly (expiration date checked, there is an air pocket, it is worn properly, and there is enough room left in the reservoir tip) one condom is what is approved and deemed effective.

It’s easy to see why just a few of the mentioned myths and other misconceptions about contraceptives are so considerable and forthrightly believable if not informed otherwise. Birth control is one of the most talked about topics, and yet people are still not getting the proper facts and information, and sometimes it all too confusing between myth and fact when it comes to sexual health.

Sources:
Steven Goldstein, MD, professor, obstetrics and gynecology, NYU School of Medicine. Margaret Polaneczky, MD, associate clinical professor, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York. Erika Banks, MD, associate director of residency, Montifiore Medical Center, New York.

MAKING CONDOMS FUN AND SEXY!

Guest Comment by Chris S., SBI Health Education Intern

If you think that condoms can't be fun or sexy, then think again. People often say that they don’t like using condoms when having sex because it ruins the mood, reduces the sensitivity and pleasure, or they are just plain boring. These are poor excuses.

There are a variety of ways to make condom use fun and entertaining. One common problem many people have is that they rush putting a condom on during foreplay or just before sex. They feel that they need to hurry or the mood will be lost. There is no need to rush!
(1) Guys - Take your time when placing a condom on – take in the moment and make it sexy and appealing. Your partner will enjoy the wait and anticipation as you take your time placing the condom on in front of them.
(2) Try having your partner place the condom on – this way, you both are engaged in the process. They are able to place the condom on while you get to enjoy the experience.
(3) Although fun, there are varying opinions on placing the condom on your partners penis with your mouth. Here is a link how: http://www.ehow.com/how_2245684_put-condom-using-mouth.html (The danger is possibly tearing or cutting the condom in the process.)

If you think that condoms don’t provide enough pleasure or that they’re boring in general, check out this site: 10 top and sexy ways to use condoms. One of those ways includes using textured condoms, such as ribbed or vibrating condoms. Even the site Go Ask Alice (Columbia University) gives informational advice to the effectiveness and possible choices of textured condoms.

Condoms don’t have to be boring! There are numerous ways to make condoms and sex fun, sexy, and entertaining. What are you waiting for?

Sex Myths and Mysteries

Every campus has them…some sort of myth or mystery floating around about sex or improving your chances of scoring. Below is a sampling of amusing - and sometimes frightening - myths that have been handed down from generation to generation on campuses around the country.

You can't get pregnant when you're menstruating.
MYTH (Yes, you can!) Sometimes ovulation can actually occur before the bleeding from a woman's period has stopped. Or it may occur within a few days after her period has finished. In both of these cases, having sex before the period has finished or just after it has finished, can result in pregnancy.

Losing weight will make your penis bigger.
MYTH If you lose weight all over your body, there's a pad of fat that is located at the base of your penis that will also shrink - this pad of fat is where part of your penis hides when it's erect, and where even more hides when it's not erect. Losing this pad of fat may make the appearance of the penis larger, but it will not actually grow.

Unsightly dark bags under the eyes, hair growing thicker in unattractive places, and decreased ability to get and maintain an erection are all symptoms of excessive masturbating.
MYTH Symptoms of excessive masturbation may include chafed and sore genitalia, but there's no evidence your appearance will change. What's excessive to one person may not be enough to another.

Masturbation causes gas.
MYTH (Well, this would certainly explain a lot about some people we know, but, there isn't any scientific evidence that supports this.) Masturbation will also not cause hair loss, acne or loss of eyesight!

Virgins can't experience orgasms.
MYTH As any virgin who has ever masturbated can tell you, this is not true. Both male and female virgins who have technically never had intercourse can have orgasms.

Condoms will protect you from all STIs.
MYTH Condoms protect you from STIs transmitted via bodily fluids, including HIV, but may not protect you from STIs transmitted via skin contact, such as HPV.

You can get STIs from oral sex, but you'll be safer if you brush your teeth right after.
It's a MYSTERY why more people don't know that you can get STIs like gonorrhea or herpes from giving or receiving oral sex. It's a MYTH that brushing your teeth has any protective benefit when it comes to oral sex. In fact, brushing can cause microscopic tears in your mouth that make bacteria transmission easier!