Of all the myths about STDs (sexually transmitted disease) doing the rounds, the most preposterous one I heard recently, is about the chances of not catching them if you have sex underwater. It is safe to assume that because absolutely natural bodily functions like sex, menstruation and masturbation are treated as taboo, it leaves ample room for confusion. And nowhere is this confusion as bad as when it comes to sex.
Kind courtesy of the movies we watch, most of us would have wondered at some point what sex is like underwater. The general assumption is that having sex in water reduces friction and makes it more pleasurable. And from here on, the misconceptions only grow bigger.
Does having water around also mean reduced chances of pregnancy?
Or, does it mean that I can get pregnant from the sperm already present in the water?
Can I catch STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) already present in the water?
Friends, it’s time to pay attention (because you didn’t in the biology class or better still, your teacher just skipped that part). While you cannot get infected with STIs already present in the water, make no mistake, there is nothing to stop you from catching them from your partner. In fact, [envoke_twitter_link]sex under water may expose you more to STDs[/envoke_twitter_link].
What happens is that the water is likely to wash away your natural vaginal lubrication and potentially dry you out, which in turn can lead to micro tears in vaginal walls. This exposes you to bacteria (seawater, lakes, even pools are full of them) that can cause infections like Urinary Tract Infection, yeast infection and STDs that your partner may be carrying.
The chlorine present in pools and hot tubs, disturbs the natural pH levels of the vagina, making it more alkaline and more susceptible to STIs.
Last but not the least, lack of lubrication may lead to the condom breaking, and if either you or your partner has an STD, it puts the other one at higher risk of contracting it. Yelp!
However, this is not to say that you should not play out your fantasies of underwater sex. Before going ahead with it, though, arm yourself with reliable information online or consult your doctor about it. Most common STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HPV, are bacterial in nature and do not always show symptoms.
Therefore it becomes important that you use contraception and get yourself and your partner(s) checked for STDs, periodically. Having said that, done right, sex underwater can be pleasurable for both you and your partner. So don’t be shy. Be smart!