Let’s be real: many of us went through sex ed that felt more like a horror movie than an educational experience. Diagrams with zero context, scary warnings about STIs and abortion, and maybe a banana if things got really wild.

And if you grew up in a country like the super conservative Philippines, chances are you walked away with more questions than answers, and more myths than facts.

So let’s unpack and debunk some of the biggest myths we heard in school. Whether you’re a curious teen, a concerned parent, or an adult unlearning things now, this is for you.

MYTH 1: “If you have sex, you will get pregnant or get an STI.”

Ah, the classic fear tactic. While it’s true that pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are possible outcomes of unprotected sex, it’s not as black and white as they made it seem.

The truth: Sex, like any activity, carries risks but not inevitabilities. Safe sex practices, like using condoms and other forms of protection, significantly lower the chances of both pregnancy and STIs. Understanding how your body works (like your menstrual cycle or how STIs are transmitted) is key to making informed choices, not just avoiding worst-case scenarios.

MYTH 2: “Only boys think about sex.”

This one deserves an eye roll and a full-on classroom rebuttal. We were often taught (directly or indirectly) that girls are passive and boys are always thinking about sex, which is unfair and wildly inaccurate.

The truth: Sexual thoughts, curiosity, and desire are human, not gender-specific. Everyone experiences them differently, and that’s okay. When we treat boys as “naturally sexual” and girls as “naturally pure,” we set up damaging expectations that can affect relationships, consent, and self-worth.

MYTH 3: “The pull-out method is safe and reliable.”

Many teens hear this from their peers or see it mentioned casually online. And because actual birth control might feel too awkward to talk about, some rely on this “method” without fully understanding the risks.

The truth: The pull-out method (or “withdrawal”) is not a reliable form of birth control. Pre-ejaculate (pre-cum) can contain sperm, and pulling out too late or inconsistently increases the chance of pregnancy. While it’s better than nothing, it’s far less effective than condoms, birth control pills, IUDs, or other scientifically supported methods.

MYTH 4: “You can’t get pregnant on your period.”

This one has been floating around forever—and while the chances are lower, it’s not impossible.

The truth: Sperm can live inside the female body for up to five days. So if someone has a shorter cycle and ovulates soon after their period, sperm from period sex could still lead to pregnancy. Period sex is not a free pass. Again, understanding how ovulation and cycles work is so important.

MYTH 5: “Sex ed encourages kids to have sex.”

This is one of the biggest reasons why sex ed still faces so much resistance. Some parents or schools fear that giving teens information will “put ideas in their heads.”

The truth: Research consistently shows the opposite. The Guttmacher Institute’s 2017 report on comprehensive sex education highlights that such programs can effectively reduce risky behaviors and improve sexual health outcomes. Comprehensive sex education helps teens make informed decisions, delays the onset of sexual activity, and increases safe sex practices when they do become sexually active. Knowing your options and understanding your body doesn’t lead to recklessness—it leads to confidence and care.

Final Thoughts: Knowledge ≠ Permission. Knowledge = Empowerment.

Sex ed shouldn’t be about shame, fear, or silence. It should be about helping people—teens and adults—understand their bodies, communicate clearly, make safer choices, and respect themselves and others. Whether you’re a teen navigating it all in real time, or an adult unlearning outdated myths, it’s never too late to learn (or re-learn) the truth.