The Five Biggest Sex Myths Spread on TikTok

TikTok might be the place to find cleaning and cooking hacks , but you shouldn’t rely on it to improve your sex life. According to Dr. Claudia Pastides, MBBS, general practitioner and director of medical accuracy at Flo , not only is there a lot of completely wrong information on social media, but also potentially dangerous information.

“For example, 36% of women mistakenly believe that they need to regularly wash the inside of the vagina, which is not necessary, since the vagina cleans itself,” she tells Lifehacker. “Washing inside the vagina can disrupt the natural pH and ultimately lead to vaginal infections and discomfort.”

While discussing sexual health is critical, it’s even more important to get evidence-based, useful, and research-backed information. We asked Pastides and other medical experts to debunk the most popular sex myths on TikTok.

TikTok Myth #1: Garlic, yogurt and other home remedies can treat vaginal infections

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about the best way to treat a vaginal yeast infection. Dr. Irina Ilyich, a gynecologist and medical consultant, says many home remedies do more harm than good.

“While some people might swear by inserting a clove of garlic into their vagina or adding vinegar to a bath, there is no scientific evidence that home remedies like yogurt or garlic can help treat a yeast infection,” she tells Lifehacker. “If you are unsure of the best way to treat a yeast infection, the best thing to do is to see a doctor for an examination and a swab. A pelvic exam isn’t the best way to have a good time, but it’s the best way to get a proper diagnosis and start on the road to a full recovery.”

TikTok Myth #2: Mucinex D can help boost your fertility

“A drug that helps with mucus in the airways doesn’t have the same effect on mucus in the cervix,” Dr. Allison Rogers tells Lifehacker. “While there has been a report on sperm motility since 1982, there are no credible and reliable studies showing that there is an increased chance of pregnancy when taking Mucinex.”

The thought comes from the fact that cervical mucus must change consistency to be like egg white during the fertile window. But Rogers says the changes are due to high levels of estrogen, not Mucinex.

However, there are things you can do to increase your chances of naturally conceiving, she says, suggesting women who want to conceive take folic acid and prenatal supplements and reduce toxins like nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and cannabis, as well as healthy nutrition.

“That means choosing healthy foods like leafy greens, fresh fruit, lean proteins, and healthy fats like avocados and olive oil, which are incredibly good for your fertility,” Rogers explains. Stress management can also help, as stress can cause hormonal shifts and irregular periods. Mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and cognitive behavioral therapy can also help manage stress.”

But if you’re having trouble conceiving, Rogers recommends making an appointment with an OB/GYN to run fertility tests, determine if you need lifestyle changes, and prescribe treatment if necessary.

TikTok Myth #3: Yoni pearls will detoxify your vagina

First of all: Your vagina doesn’t need to be detoxified or cleansed.

“It’s a self-cleaning system that works great, especially if you’re not trying to improve it by adding some kind of ‘enhancing substances’,” Ilyich says.

Commonly advertised as a detox or vaginal cleanser, yoni pearls contain several herbs in the form of “pearls”. According to the manufacturer, they are recommended to be used by inserting into the vagina.

“The efficacy and safety of these products have not been evaluated or supported by FDA-approved studies,” Ilyich explains. “There is no scientific evidence that these pearls can be beneficial. In addition, studies have shown that the use of intravaginal products to control odor, lubricate the vagina, prepare for sex, cleanse the vagina, enhance sexual pleasure, and prevent STIs has been associated with injury, bleeding, infection, and unhealthy changes in the vaginal microbiome.”

TikTok Myth #4: Caffeine makes orgasms stronger

“The idea that caffeine can increase the intensity of orgasms probably came from a trend on TikTok where some people claim that because caffeine stimulates nitric oxide production, it can cause blood vessels to dilate and, as a result, more blood to tissues. Explains Dr. Claudia P. Mosca, OB/GYN and Flo Medical Consultant. “They claim it can increase genital sensitivity and lead to stronger orgasms. Something similar to the effect of sildenafil, a drug used for erectile dysfunction.

Mosca notes that caffeine can have the opposite effect of constricting blood vessels, depending on the amount. “And at some concentrations, caffeine can cause high blood pressure in some people because it works differently from person to person.”

Speaking of orgasms, Mosca says there is no magic trick that will make it happen every time. “Creating a good sexual experience depends on many factors, and for people with a vulva, finding what works and learning about different types of stimulation across the entire area — clitoris, vulva, vagina, perineum, and anus — alone or with a partner is the key to having great sex.” contact. experiences.”

TikTok Myth #5: Kitty cocktails will improve the taste during oral sex

Sorry, no amount of pineapple juice or inventive “cat” cocktails will make you try something else “down there,” says Mosca.

“Each vagina has its own natural and completely normal taste, but there is no evidence that increasing consumption of sweet fruits will change the taste or smell of the vagina,” she explains. “There is no evidence that you can change the smell or taste of your vagina depending on what you consume. Also, there is no need to do so. The smell and taste of a healthy vagina is not overpowering, and if so, there may be an underlying infection requiring medical attention.”