From period sex to the importance of masturbation, Dr Susanna Unsworth, an expert in women’s health, exposes her top sexual health myths
Despite growing conversations around sexual health, it still remains a taboo subject and with that silence comes a lack of understanding about our bodies, sexual health and what is (and isn’t) normal. Is masturbation good for you? Is period sex safe? Is pain during sex normal? Too often, these are questions we’re left to navigate alone, without the facts or confidence to find the answers.
To help navigate this nebulous universe, Dr Susanna Unsworth, an expert in women’s intimate health for Intimina, reveals her top five sexual health myths.
MYTH ONE – ‘We should put up with pain during sex’
Pain during sex is never something you should just “put up with”. It’s a sign that something is not right, and it absolutely deserves proper assessment and support. Anyone with ongoing pain during sex really should see a healthcare professional with experience in vulval and sexual pain disorders.
Help is available – with the right diagnosis and a supportive, holistic plan, most women can make a significant recovery. You don’t have to live with this. Please reach out to a GP or a specialist in women’s health or sexual medicine who will take your symptoms seriously.
MYTH TWO – ‘Period sex is not safe’
For most people, period sex is completely safe. There’s no evidence that it can cause damage to the cervix. Some people may find things feel a little more sensitive, especially if they’re already dealing with cramps or pelvic discomfort, though the release of endorphins during sex can actually help ease those cramps for some.
The main consideration is that there’s a slightly higher risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during period sex, as blood can make it easier for certain infections to pass between partners. Using a condom can reduce that risk.
MYTH THREE – ‘Vaginismus isn’t real’
Vaginismus is very much a real condition, it is a reflex tightening or increased tone of the pelvic floor muscles, which can make penetration painful, difficult, or impossible. While the term vaginismus is still widely used, the more up-to-date medical terminology is genito-pelvic pain and penetration disorder. It can make it very difficult for someone to allow vaginal penetration, whether that is a penis, finger, tampon, or any other object, even if they want to. This can have a significant impact on intimacy and relationships.
Treatment starts with education, helping someone understand their anatomy and why this is happening. A key part is learning to relax the pelvic floor muscles, often with the support of a pelvic floor physiotherapist. Vaginal trainers, also known as dilators, can be helpful, although some people prefer to start with a finger or a small vibrator.
MYTH FOUR – ‘Masturbation is bad for you’
As a women’s health doctor, I often talk with patients about masturbation and orgasm as normal, healthy parts of sexual wellbeing that play an important role in both physical and mental health. Regular sexual stimulation increases blood flow to the vagina and vulva, helping to keep these tissues healthy and well nourished.
An orgasm leads to the release of beneficial hormones and neurotransmitters such as dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and prolactin, which can reduce stress, improve mood, promote relaxation, and support better sleep. These hormonal changes can have pain-relieving effects and may be helpful for some people with menstruation-related pain. Masturbation allows individuals to learn about their own bodies and what feels pleasurable, which can also reduce anxiety around intimacy, improve communication, and enhance satisfaction in partnered sex. Regular orgasm can also support pelvic floor function, creating a positive cycle where stronger pelvic floor muscles contribute to improved sexual response.
MYTH FIVE – ‘You shouldn’t have sex after childbirth’
Many women are still navigating exhaustion, hormonal shifts, physical recovery and changes in identity as they adjust to parenthood. While most healthcare professionals advise waiting until bleeding has settled and any tears or wounds have healed, which is often around six weeks, there is no single “right” time to resume sex after giving birth. Some women feel ready sooner, while others may take months before they feel physically or emotionally prepared. The most important thing is that it feels right for you, without pressure or expectation.
Intimina is on a mission to destigmatise intimate health by encouraging women and men to embrace their bodies with confidence, knowledge and openness. For more information, visit intimina.com.
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Our Editorial Team are writers and experts in their field. Their views and opinions may not always be the views of Wellbeing Magazine. If you are under the direction of medical supervision please speak to your doctor or therapist before following the advice and recommendations in these articles.
