(Photo: Getty Images)
Let's face it: Sex is on our minds all the time. We live it, breathe it and will do almost anything to get it. A man's sex drive is an innate, natural force. With sex and desire playing such important roles in our lives, you'd think we would all have a better grasp on it. However, truth be told, many men are misinformed about sex, from how to get the most pleasure out of their love life to how to stay safe and healthy in the bedroom. Want to test your sex IQ? Check out these top 5 sex myths to see how your knowledge stacks up.
Myth #1: Great sex comes naturally.
The physical chemistry you see on TV and in the movies suggests that when two lovers meet, sparks fly and mind-blowing sex naturally follows. As we all know, in the real world, it's not always that easy. The human body doesn't come with an instruction manual. The "tricks of the trade" that pleased a former partner do not always translate with someone new. Good communication is the key to good sex, as is a willingness to be open to trying new techniques and positions to find out what each partner finds pleasurable. It can be a little awkward at first to over-communicate during sex, but think about the outcome: a partner who knows how to do it right every time.
Further reading: Best Sex Positions
Myth #2: Men have more sexual urges than women.
Though many men would have you believe they're ready to go 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the truth is that men experience daily fluctuations in libido, as do women. A man's readiness to hop in the sack can be impacted by many of the same factors that impact a woman's level of desire, including diet, sleep, health, stress, medical conditions, self-confidence, and relationship disharmony.
Further reading: FDA To Make Its Decision On Female Viagra Later Today - Here's What You Should Know
Myth #3: Viagra is the answer.
While many people believe Viagra and other similar oral medications are the best or only treatment for men with erectile dysfunction, the truth is that for many men these drugs are not a viable option or they simply are not effective. Oral medications are only a temporary fix to a problem that may have other underlying health causes that should be addressed by a qualified physician. In addition, many men with health conditions, including hypertension and diabetes, cannot take oral prescriptions due to serious potential side effects or contraindications with other medications. For men who cannot use oral meds, there are a number of other options including urethral suppositories and ICP, an injection that produces an erection within minutes.
Further reading: Prevent ED With Food
Myth #4: Size is important.
Even if every guy you know can probably tell you exactly how big he is, penis size is not a barometer for manhood. As anyone with sexual experience knows, true sexual enthusiasm far outweighs any gifted parts. And contrary to another popular sex myth, the size of your member has nothing to do with the size of your hands or feet.
Further reading: The Giant Guide To Penis Size
Myth #5: Oral sex is safer than vaginal and anal sex.
Oral sex seems to have the stigma of a "free pass" as far as sexual relationships go. Yes, it does count as sex, and yes, you can get a sexually transmitted disease from oral sex. There is still an exchange of fluids, meaning that diseases can enter your body through sores or small cuts in your mouth and throat. No matter if you're going for oral, vaginal or anal sex, you need to be careful!
Further reading: STDs That Show On Your Face
This article was originally posted on AskMen.