Many people form their first impressions of sex from porn. Sadly, while quality, ethically-produced adult films can be used to enhance your sex life, getting sex education from porn is not the best idea. Here are some of the most common myths exposed.
- Foreplay is optional. Porn often shows people going from clothed to having sex without even sharing a kiss. In reality, it takes time to build arousal, particularly for women. Porn stars manage by using lube: and there are gaps between takes for people to warm up too.
- All women love doggie style. Porn tends to use positions which show the performers as intimately as possible, with doggie as a particularly popular choice. Some women love it, some don't, but a hard pounding from behind is far from the only way to have sex.
- Condoms are optional: While condoms are becoming more visible in porn, all too many films depict unsafe sex. Most performers are tested every 30 days to help ensure they are STI-free, and only work with other people who've been tested: what you're watching is fantasy not reality so use a condom.
- Group sex is standard. In porn, everyone wants to get intimate with each other. In real life, not everyone wants a three-way.
- Anal takes no effort: Saliva is often the lube of choice in porn. In reality, anal takes foreplay, going slow and a lot of lube.
- Ejaculation over a woman is always well received. While some women do enjoy this, it's by no means as common as porn would suggest. Only come on a partner after checking it's OK first.
- All men have huge members. Penis size in porn is by no means representative of the general population.
- Penises always work. It's rare you'll see erection failure or premature ejaculation in porn but these are both common in real life.
- All women like dirty talk. Some women enjoy graphic talk during sex. Others find it demeaning, funny or embarrassing. Ask your lover before you start calling her names.
- Everyone has a perfect body. Porn often depicts pumped up men and women with flawless bodies. Adult performers work hard to look good because they know they're going to be filmed naked. Love your body as it is – or get fitter if you're unhappy with what you see.
"What you're watching is fantasy not reality"