Let’s talk about sex: 5 common myths – about pregnancy, periods, orgasms and it burning calories – debunked by doctors
- Misconceptions about sex can affect our health and relationships; knowledge about sex can help protect our health and increase our sexual satisfaction
- From orgasms to burning calories and getting pregnant during menstruation, a clinical sexologist and a gynaecologist clear up 5 misconceptions about sex
Knowledge is power.
When it comes to sex, many people have their own beliefs that may not fully reflect reality. Intimacy and reproduction are personal and important matters, and such misconceptions can affect our health and relationships.
To update your sexual knowledge and boost your satisfaction, read on as we debunk five common myths about sex to inform those who want happier, healthier sex lives.
1. Sex burns as many calories as a proper workout
Maybe the idea that having sex burns as many calories as a fitness class would sprang from sexy films. Although it may feel like you’re getting a great workout at times, a romp in bed is generally not as physically demanding as you might think.
Singapore-based relationship counsellor and clinical sexologist Martha Tara Lee says: “While sex can be a form of exercise, it typically does not burn as many calories as a proper workout. According to [studies], a 30-minute session of moderate-intensity aerobic activity can burn up to 200 calories, while sex typically burns fewer than 100 calories.”
Exercising regularly, on the other hand, does contribute to a better sex life by increasing sex drive.