It’s more hygienic to remove pubic hair
FALSE: “Removing pubic hair is a personal preference and not a medical necessity,” assures Sachchidananda Maiti, a consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at Pall Mall Medical and senior lecturer at Manchester University medical school.
“This myth is widely believed, especially in western cultures where hairlessness is often associated with cleanliness and attractiveness,” he adds.
A 2024 study found that about 80% of women groom their pubic hair. But the humble bush has a very important job: to trap sweat, bacteria and oil. “Unless the hair is infested with lice or other harmful elements, its removal can actually lead to irritation and a higher risk of infection, especially if done with unclean razors,” Maiti adds.
If you’re turned on, your vagina will get wet
FALSE: Like the inside of the mouth, vaginal tissue is a mucous membrane, meaning it is somewhat moist at all times.
“We have Bartholin’s glands at the vaginal opening that get activated by arousal and give us extra lube. But there are many things that can interfere with natural lubrication even if you’re aroused,” says Whelihan. Age, menopause and a loss of oestrogen, vaginal infections and medications such as antihistamines can all dry the vagina out.
Best not to use how wet you get as a barometer for horniness, says Silva Neves, a psychosexual and relationship psychotherapist accredited by the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists.
There’s something wrong with your vagina if you never orgasm through penetration
FALSE: “Most women report requiring clitoral stimulation to climax,” says Nicole Prause, a sexual psychophysiologist and founder of sexual biotechnology company Liberos. “And the vast majority cannot experience orgasm through vaginal penetration alone.”
Only 18% of women do, according to one study. “Well that makes sense,” says Whelihan …
